By submitting an application to volunteer, you (and/or your group) agree to the following:

 

Oath of Confidentiality
As a volunteer of The Mustard Seed, you may be exposed to information of a confidential nature. You will hold in strictest confidence any information obtained on guests, residents, volunteers and donors while volunteering at The Mustard Seed. This applies to all information in a written, audio or visual format as well as any information you may receive verbally or through observation.

The written consent of a guest / resident is required before information is shared with any party outside of the Mustard Seed Staff.
Any information used for teaching purposes must be disguised. If a guest or program staff person can be identified in any way their written consent is required.

 

Breach of confidentiality may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of your association with The Mustard Seed.

 

Statement of Faith
We recognize that many of our volunteers do not have a common faith position with us and we certainly respect that. Your reading and agreeing this document does not indicate belief in this Statement of Faith; what it does indicate is that you and/or your group will respect and not detract from it.

 

The Mustard Seed's Statement of Faith can be found here: Statement of Faith.

 

Boundaries Agreement

Boundaries make the relationship safe for both parties, and set the parameters within which programs and services are delivered. Boundaries typically include personal disclosure, limits regarding the use of touch, and the general tone of the relationship. In a subtler fashion, the boundary can refer to the line between the self of the guest and the self of the volunteer.

 

Volunteers should conduct themselves in a professional manner exercising prudent judgment, diligence in the performance of their duties and agree to the following boundaries:

• I will refrain from meeting with a guest outside of The Mustard Seed facilities or as part of an off-site activity / program not sponsored by The Mustard Seed unless previously arranged through my Program Supervisor.
• I will not take a guest to any location in my vehicle unless specific arrangements are made through my Program Supervisor, and Volunteer Services have the appropriate license, insurance, and registration documentation on file.
• I will not enter into a dating, sexual or otherwise inappropriate relationship with a guest.
• I will not give away any personal information (last name, phone numbers, email, address, etc.) to a guest or engage in contacting them through social media of any kind.
• I will not lend or give money to guests.
• I understand that breaking any of the above boundaries will result in my immediate removal as a TMS volunteer.

Respectful Environment

The Mustard Seed will neither tolerate nor condone behaviour that is likely to undermine the physical safety or self-esteem of an individual, or create an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. The Mustard Seed expects that all our volunteers and employees will be committed to ensuring a respectful environment.

 

Any form of harassment relating to an individual’s race, religious belief, color, gender, including gender identity or gender expression, physical or mental disability, marital status, ancestry, age, place of origin, family status, source of income, sexual orientation or any other prohibited group discrimination under Human Rights legislation, will not be tolerated. Up to and including:

• Unwanted sexual advances, unwanted requests for sexual favors, derogatory comments, gestures or looks
• Unnecessary or unwanted verbal or physical contact, jokes or slurs
• Actual or implied threats, reprisal or discriminatory behavior either on or off The Mustard Seed sites, for refusal to comply with a sexually orientated request
• Any of the above instances that occur, not only in person, but through email or social media

If you as a volunteer experience any of the above, please report this immediately or within 48 hours to the Supervisor at the TMS site you are working at.

 

Terms and Conditions
By submitting this application I hereby certify that all information included in this volunteer application form is true and complete.

I understand that incomplete applications may not be considered, and that providing false information is grounds for immediate disqualification from the application process, or immediate dismissal if the falsehood is discovered after hiring.

I understand that submitting this application is not a guarantee of placement and that placement is conditional upon successful completion of all screening procedures.

I understand that The Mustard Seed will not disclose to third-parties any of the information provided in my application.