Application Form - Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area

I give my permission to LSSNCA to contact my references and/or conduct a police background check, if required by the program for which I am providing services.

LSSNCA requires background checks on all volunteers due to the sensitivity of our programs and participants. Depending on the volunteer position the cost will vary from $13.95 to $67.97 (occasionally includes drug testing). Because we serve society's most vulnerable population, these screenings are necessary. Please advise the recruiter if you will need assistance funding the cost of the background check. We thank you for your service, for without you we cannot live out our mission. Thank you for understanding.  

Additionally, you will be automatically signed up to receive the monthly LSSNCA e-newsletter to ensure you are receiving the most up to date news, information, and opportunities. 

LSSNCA affirms that the protection of confidential information of employees, clients, and the agency is vital to the interests and trust of LSSNCA, our staff, and clients. Volunteers who work with Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area agree to:

1. Respect the privacy of the clients with whom they are working.  They may not want the stories they share with you to be shared with others.
2. Protect confidential information regarding LSSNCA and client or staff records; information contained in those files should not be discussed with anyone outside of the agency or with other employees or clients who do not need to know it.  Exceptions to this general policy on confidentiality include the release of information mandated by local, state or federal law, or authorized by the affected individual. 
3. Safeguard the confidentiality of the clients by not making their names, stories and personal circumstances public in any fashion without their consent.  This includes the use of photographs and information in news stories for church bulletins, corporate newsletters, local newspapers or academic assignments.  Many people are happy to share their story with others. In such cases, a client release form is available and should be completed.
4. Non-disclosure of information not found in files. Volunteers may learn sensitive and confidential information about clients and co-workers that, although not contained in a file or otherwise recorded, must nevertheless be treated with the same respect as written material.  The prohibitions against unwarranted disclosure of information contained in files apply to this oral information.  In addition, care should be taken when communicating with clients, in person or by telephone, not to allow persons who do not need to know their confidential information to hear it.

I have read these policies and understand the clients’ rights to privacy and confidentiality.  I will fully abide by these policies.