Organization Policies
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest Volunteer Agreement & Waiver of Liability
1. No Employment Relationship Established. The Volunteer whose signature appears below understands and agrees that by entering into this Agreement, he/she can be and may be able to be an employee of LSS-SW or any related entity in the future. The Volunteer also understands that no compensation will be paid for volunteering, and that Volunteer will be entitled to no employee benefits. The Volunteer understands that no oral statement by any representative/employee of LSS-SW may establish an employment relationship, and that the only way in which an employment relationship may be established is in writing signed by both parties that expressly states that an employment relationship is thereby established. Because the Volunteer is not an employee of LSS-SW, he/she is hereby notified that as a Volunteer he/she will not be covered by worker’s compensation or any other type of employee benefit; however he/she may be covered under the general liability insurance. During the period that he/she shall serve LSS-SW as a volunteer, he/she shall work for LSS-SW and work produced shall belong to LSS-SW. The Volunteer shall comply with the business and office policies of LSS-SW.
2. Volunteer Duties and Responsibilities. The Volunteer understands and agrees that in providing volunteer services for and on behalf of LSS-SW, the Volunteer will comply with the regulations and directions of LSS-SW. The Volunteer agrees to perform only volunteer services outlined in their training.
3. Confidential Information. The Volunteer understands that in the course of providing volunteer services, the Volunteer will become aware of LSS-SW and LSS-SW client information that is confidential, including but not limited to, personal, family, medical, legal and financial information, and all other information that is not generally publicly known (“Confidential Information”). Unless given specific direction, the volunteer under no circumstance should share photos of clients on public platforms. The Volunteer hereby promises not to disclose or use at any time, other than for the benefit of LSS-SW or a LSS-SW client, any of the Confidential Information described herein. This agreement between LSS-SW and the volunteer has no time limit.
4. Term of This Agreement. This Agreement has no set term, and may be terminated by either party, with or without cause or notice. Upon termination for any reason, or upon demand, the Volunteer agrees to immediately return Confidential Information. When the Volunteer leaves LSS-SW, he/she shall provide to LSS-SW all confidential material relating to LSS-SW in their possession, of whatever origin and including, without limitation, duplicates, facsimiles, models, prototypes and notes relating thereto. The Volunteer shall use the LSS-SW name or marks only for activities authorized by LSS-SW.
5. Waiver of Liability. The Volunteer hereby fully releases, holds harmless and indemnifies LSS-SW and its related agencies, as well as its and their officers, directors, employees and agents, from any and all claims and damages arising from and or which are related to this Agreement and or the provision of services hereunder by the Volunteer. The Volunteer understands that he/she is not eligible to drive for any volunteer related matters (including clients) for their service with LSS-SW. If he/she choose to do any driving pertaining to their service, they are solely responsible for any liability incurred in the event they are involved in an accident or any other motor vehicle-related incident. LSS-SW and its insurance representative are not to be responsible for any liability.
6. Discretionary Remuneration. LSS-SW reserves the right to extend to Volunteer incentives to continue to provide volunteer services. Both parties agree that if and when incentives are extended, such incentives are not owed to the Volunteer; do not create an expectation of further incentives, are not compensation for services rendered; and do not create an employment relationship.
7. Photo Release. The Volunteer hereby grants LSS-SW permission to use their likeness in a photograph on the LSS-SW’s website, www.lss-sw.org, or any other publication they produce, without payment or any other compensation. The Volunteer is 18 years of age or older and competent to contract in their own name.
8. Media Inquiries: To ensure that Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest maintains the appropriate public image and that communications are accurate and consistent with agency policy, all requests for media interviews will be directed to the position responsible for communications (Communications Specialist, jlicurgo@lss-sw.org or 520-668-4916)
9. Background. The volunteer authorizes LSS-SW to contact all references as necessary, and to inquire about, investigate, and obtain copies of any record which relate to them from their former employers and educational institutions attended. The volunteer hereby releases LSS-SW and all affiliated entities, as well as any person or institution that provides LSS-SW with any information about them, from any and all liability whatsoever resulting from such inquiry, investigation, or communication. In connection with their application for a volunteer position with LSS-SW, the Volunteer understands that a consumer report may be requested that may include information as to their character, along with reasons for termination of past employment from previous employers. Further, he/she understands that LSS-SW may be requesting information concerning my motor vehicle operation history and criminal history from various state, private and insurance sources along with other public records available.
9. Miscellaneous. This Agreement contains the entire Agreement of the parties. It may not be changed orally, but only by an agreement in writing signed by both parties. This Agreement is governed by all the laws of the State of Arizona. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.
The Volunteer has read this release before signing below and fully understands the contents, meaning, and impact of this release.
By adhering to the following policies we ensure that the rights of LSS-SW clients are respected.
Professionalism: Set high standards for knowledge, wisdom and ethics within the organization benefiting clients, colleagues and the community.
Quality: Set the highest standard for quality services based on our goal for continuous improvement in all that we do.
People: Value employees, clients and the community for every human has their own intrinsic worth.
Diversity: Respect those who are different from us and are unified by our shared mission.
Faith-Based: Serve all people with an attitude of compassion and caring illustrating God’s love in all that we do.
