Administrative Considerations in Developing a Volunteer Program

A volunteer program can become a solid, smooth functioning part of a community mental health center or other agency if it is built around the needs of both the agency and the volunteers. The author discusses the need to develop realistic job descriptions, to screen the applicants carefully, and to provide continued training and supervision both individually and in groups. She emphasizes that staff resistance to a volunteer program can be overcome by involving staff members in the program and by making them aware of the high quality of work the volunteers do.