These background checks also help to verify the truthfulness of information provided on an initial application form. Programs should make an effort to find a volunteer position for all interested and qualified applicants. In the unlikely event that there are no openings for an individual, inform the applicant that the application may be filed for future needs. If the program has prepared job descriptions for every volunteer position opening, then it should be possible to conduct interviews with specific volunteer job openings in mind. Openings and qualifications can be posted in advance, so that volunteer applicants can request an interview for a specific position, or, general interviews can be conducted, with the staff later determining how to best place a volunteer.
Many programs use and recommend a simple contract between the organization and the volunteers.
This agreement identifies the volunteers' duties, how the organization will support them, and outlines the requirements for termination of the agreement. Volunteers should be given a specific starting time and know when their schedules will be available. They should also know who is responsible for supervision and how feedback on their performance will be made available. State health requirements for volunteers must be completed before the volunteers begin working. Once volunteers have been screened and assigned a job they must be appropriately trained.