High Risk

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High Risk

Position Descriptions

Forms for Volunteer Screening

Below is a listing of of the different group/ministry opportunities that are high risk:

Parish Screening Committee

Accountability	Pastor and Bishop
Purpose of Ministry	To assist the pastor in implementing the Diocesan Screening Initiative in their parishes.The purpose of the Volunteer Screening Initiative is to ensure the safety of all vulnerable people to whom we minister and to safeguard the integrity of our volunteers and the parish.
Participant Group	Parish Volunteers
Activities and Responsibilities	to learn the diocesan policies and the procedures for screening volunteers, initiate the screening process as per the procedures in the manual determine the level of risk in each ministry and suggest ways of reducing them when feasible with the ministry leaders, review position descriptions ensure that each person completes a Volunteer Information Form, conduct and document interviews, follow up on references and police records checks, with the pastor ensure the proper storage of all documentation of screening records and files provide training for or implement the ongoing screening measures and dismissal policies, provide support where needed address any problems that arise from the evaluations and participant follow-ups keep the pastor and the Diocesan Screening Committee informed of the parish progress, complete the annual parish progress report (format to be developed) keep the manual updated and attend all training sessions and workshops provided by the Diocese
Skills and Qualifications Required	A practicing CatholicResponsible, trustworthy, reliable and flexible Skilled at organizing , interviewing and listening Able to maintain confidentialityWorks well within a team structure Some volunteer experience
Time Commitment	Approximately 10 hours per month to begin the process, later approximately 4 hours per month
Duration	Two years, renewable
Orientation Training	Orientation and training provided by the Diocesan Screening Team.The Diocesan Screening Coordinator and past and present members are to help train new members
Support Supervision Evaluation	The Diocesan Screening Committee and the pastor provide ongoing support The Parish Screening committee is directly responsible to the pastor and or parish team.Evaluation of the Parish Screening Committee is the responsibility of the pastor.The Diocesan Screening Committee in consultation with the pastor is responsible for evaluating the Volunteer Screening Initiative.
Risk Assessment	High Risk
Screening Procedure	Provide a Position Description form Fill out pre-printed yellow form Pages 1-4 InterviewReference checks Police records check Orientation and trainingSupervisory checks and evaluations

Altar Server Scheduling and Training

Accountability	Pastor/Parish Team
Purpose of Ministry	Train and schedule Altar servers to assist at liturgical celebrations
Participant Group	Altar servers ages 9 and up
Activities and Responsibilities	Train new membersPrepare and distribute schedules Facilitate yearly workshopPlan and attend appreciation activities
Skills and Qualifications Required	Knowledge and understanding of the order of Mass DependabilityGood communication, interpersonal and organizational skills
Time Commitment	Time required to prepare and distribute a schedule semi-annually One hour training sessions, 3 times a year or as required
Duration	2 year term, renewable
Orientation Training	Provided by pastor Provided by pastor
Support Supervision Evaluation	Parish Team PastorReview annually
Risk Assessment	High Risk
Screening Procedure	Provide a position description formFill out pre-printed yellow form Pages 1-4Interview Reference checksPolice records Check Orientation and trainingSupervisory checks and evaluations

Auditor for Marriage Tribunal

Accountability	Diocesan Tribunal Office and Parish Priest
Purpose of Ministry	To take information from witnesses for a person who has requested an annulment.
Participant Group	Anyone who has knowledge of the marriage and agrees to be a witness
Activities and Responsibilities	Schedule interviews with witnesses as soon as possible Tape the interviewMail the tapes back to the Diocesan Tribunal Office
Skills and Qualifications Required	Good interview skillsGood communication, interpersonal and organizational skills Able to delve into sensitive issuesMaintain confidentiality
Time Commitment	Interviews as requested by the Diocesan Tribunal Office Approximately 1-2 hours in length
Duration	Not applicable
Orientation Training	Orientation and workshops provided by the Diocesan Tribunal Office
Support Supervision Evaluation	On-going support by the Tribunal Office and the Parish Priest Follow-up by Tribunal OfficeDiocesan Tribunal Office
Risk Assessment	High Risk
Screening Procedure	Provide a Position Description Form Fill out pre-printed yellow form Pages 1-4 InterviewReference Checks Police records checkSupervisory Checks and Evaluations

Catechist for Children/Youth

Accountability	Pastor /Parish team and coordinator
Purpose of Ministry	Provide children and youth with catechetical instruction
Participant Group	Children and youth: ages 6-14
Activities and Responsibilities	Grade by grade presentation of Catholic teaching in a classroom settingSacramental preparationPlan and implement parish programFollow schedule and inform coordinator if unable to attend
Skills and Qualifications Required	Baptized, practicing Catholic Work well with childrenGood communication, interpersonal and organizational skills Imaginative and creative
Time Commitment	2 hours per week
Duration	2 year term, renewable
Orientation Training	Provided by parish team and coordinatorPeriodic ongoing training provided by coordinator
Support Supervision Evaluation	Pastor/Parish team and coordinatorPeriodic visits by parish team and /or coordinator Review annually
Risk Assessment	High Risk
Screening Procedure	Provide a position description formFill out pre-printed yellow form Pages 1-4Interview Reference checksPolice records Check Orientation and trainingSupervisory checks and evaluations

Catholic Women's League Executive Signing Officers

Accountability	Pastor/Parish Team
Purpose of Ministry	Members of a National Organization rooted in gospel values calling its members to holiness through service to the people of God
Participant Group	Adult women of the parish
Activities and Responsibilities	Meet regularly for spiritual development and planning the work of the CouncilProvide social and spiritual activities for the women of the parish May fundraise for the parish and charitable causesAct as signing officers for the Organization Support parish initiatives
Skills and Qualifications Required	Youth & women over the age of 16 Membership in the Catholic Women's League Follow the league constitution and guidelines Attend monthly meetings
Time commitment	2 hours or more per month for activities Additional hours for meetings
Duration	Executive is elected for 2 year termsGeneral membership is renewed annually
Orientation Training	Provided by parish team, president and League guidelines Opportunities to receive training for diocesan, provincial and national positions
Support Supervision Evaluation	Pastor/Parish team, Past president, Diocesan, Provincial & National ExecutivesPastor/Parish team Presidents
Risk Assessment	Signing Officers - High (Parish, Diocesan & Provincial) Catholic Girl's League Leader - HighParish Executive Members - Low
Screening Procedures	Provide a position descriptionFill out pre-printed yellow form Pages 1-4Interview Reference checks (Police Check)Orientation and training

Cemetery Board

Accountability	Pastor, Parishioners, Estates of those interred
Purpose of Ministry	To ensure ongoing quality care for the church cemeteryTo provide ongoing safety and security by adhering to the appropriate guidelines and regulations.
Participant Group	Parishioners and people involved in interment
Activities and Responsibilities	President/Vice PresidentLiaise with the PastorBe knowledgeable about and follow the Cemetery Act, Diocesan policies, procedures and provincial rules and regulations regarding cemetery security, safety and internment.Plan, arrange and chair Cemetery Board meeting a minimum of twice annually as needed. Work with the Cemetery Board to: Organize fundraising events to cover cemetery expenses as needed Make decisions regarding maintenance and repair of tombstones, perimeter fences and entries; grounds keeping, etc. Determine the price of new cemetery plots Organize the annual prayer meeting in the cemetery Work with the caretaker to ensure that the cemetery is in compliance with the rules and regulations of the Cemetery Act and any other regulations that affect it Secretary TreasurerAttend all Board MeetingsRecord minutes of all meetingsPrepare financial reports for each meetingComplete forms for new plots and the annual government tax finance formsSend and receive acknowledgement letters for donations Pay expenses of the Cemetery BoardParticipation in a;;discussions and activities related to: Cemetery cleanup Fundraising events to cover the cemetery expenses Decisions regarding maintenance and repair of tombstones Decisions concerning perimeter fencing and entries; grounds keeping, etc. Setting the price of new cemetery plots Organizing the annual prayer meeting in the cemetery
Skills and Qualifications	A member of the parish communityInterest in church community heritage and the governing regulations Able to communicate and organize effectivelyDependable and able to maintain confidentiality Able to work as part of a team
Time commitment	3 to 4 hours per month, more at times of special events
Duration	2 year term, renewable
Orientation Training	Provided by the Pastor and the Regulatory Guidelines Following appointment
Support Supervision Evaluation	For Secretary Treasurer, Pastor and President For President, PastorBy Pastor President annually
Risk Assessment	High for President and Signing Officers Low for other Board Members
Screening Procedures	Provide a volunteer position description form Fill out pre-printed yellow form Pages 1-4 InterviewReferences checkedPolice Check for President/ Vice President/Secretary Treasurer Orientation and trainingSupervisory checks

Children's Club Program Leaders / Catholic Girl's League

Accountability	Pastor or designate
Purpose of Ministry	Under the direction of the pastor or his designate, The Children's Club Program provides an opportunity for youth children grades 5-8 to be actively involved in our parish through sports, service and spiritual opportunities.
Participant Group	Parish youth, grades 5-9
Activities and Responsibilities	Plan and supervise activities for youth CGL - report to the CWL Council annually
Skills and Qualifications Required	That the leaders be committed, practicing members of the parish faith communityThat they know agree with the goals and objectives of the Club/League.That they have the capacity to relate to children aged10 to 15 years of age in a mature, professional, sympathetic, respectful and personal manner.That they have the capacity to organize and lead sports, service and spiritual opportunities for young people in a safe and mature manner.That they have an ability to offer the time necessary for the running of this program.That they have the ability and willingness to offer the time necessary for the running of this annual program.That they have the knowledge of correct procedures to follow in cases of suspected neglect or abuse of a child.
Time commitment	Minimum of 4 hours per month.
Duration	Minimum for a 10 month period
Orientation Training	Orientation meeting at the beginning of program
Support Supervision Evaluation	Pastor or his designateAs parents or guardians of the children for the time under the supervision of the program leadersPastor or designate
Risk Assessment	High
Screening Procedure	Provided with a position descriptionFill out pre-printed yellow form Pages 1-4 Be interviewed8/11/2010References checked Police records check Supervision and feedback Participant follow-up

Children's Liturgy Coordinator

Accountability	Pastor/Parish Team
Purpose of Ministry	Coordinate Children's Liturgy volunteersProvide children with liturgical readings and activities appropriate to their age
Participant Group	Children: ages 4-9
Activities and Responsibilities	Recruit, train and schedule volunteers Conduct seasonal meetings to plan liturgies Involve teenagers in a leadership role
Skills and Qualifications Required	Baptized, practicing Catholic Work well with childrenGood communication, interpersonal and organizational skills Leadership skills with ability to delegateImaginative and creative
Time Commitment	8 hours per month
Duration	2 year term, renewable
Orientation Training	Provided by Pastor/Parish teamOn-going training opportunities provided by the parish and/or diocese
Support Supervision Evaluation	Pastor/Parish team Pastor/Parish team Review annually
Risk Assessment	High Risk
Screening Procedure	Provide a position description formFill out pre-printed yellow form Pages 1-4Interview Reference checksPolice records Check Orientation and trainingSupervisory checks and evaluations

Children's Liturgy Volunteer

Accountability	Pastor/Parish team and coordinator
Purpose of Ministry	Provide children with liturgical readings and activities appropriate to their age
Participant Group	Children; ages 4-9
Activities and Responsibilities	Present the word of God and Church teachings to children Attend seasonal meetings to plan liturgiesInvolve teenagers in a leadership roleFollow schedule and inform coordinator if unable to attend
Skills and Qualifications Required	Baptized, practicing Catholic Work well with childrenGood communication, interpersonal and organizational skills Imaginative and creative
Time commitment	2 hours per week, as per schedule
Duration	2 years, renewable
Orientation Training	Provided by parish team and coordinatorPaired up with an experienced volunteer for ongoing training
Support Supervision Evaluation	Pastor/Parish team and coordinator Visits by coordinator during liturgy Review annually
Risk Assessment	High Risk
Screening Procedures	Provide a position descriptionFill out pre-printed yellow form Pages 1-4Interview Reference checksPolice records check Orientation and trainingSupervisory checks and evaluations

Choir Director of Children/Youth

Accountability	Pastor/Parish team and Music/Youth Ministry Coordinator
Purpose of Ministry	Lead children and youth choirs
Participant Group	Children and youth
Activities and Responsibilities	Selection of music and program planning Prepare material for choir practiceLead practice once a week Direct choir during liturgy
Skills and Qualifications Required	Musical training Knowledge of liturgyWork well with children and youthGood communication and organizational skills
Time commitment	Rehearsal: 2 hours per weekMass and other liturgies as required
Duration	2 year term, renewable
Orientation Training	Provided by parish team Participation at liturgy seminars
Support Supervision Evaluation	Pastor/Parish team Pastor/Parish team Review annually
Risk Assessment	High Risk
Screening Procedures	Provide a position descriptionFill out pre-printed yellow form Pages 1-4Interview Reference checksPolice records check Orientation and trainingSupervisory checks and evaluations

Collection Counters

Accountability	Pastor
Purpose of Ministry	To count money from Mass collections and to record envelopes
Participant Group	Parish
Activities and Responsibilities	Two or more individuals per team Count money from weekly collectionsRecord envelope contributions on appropriate ledgers Make up deposit slips and prepare cash for deposit
Skills and Qualifications Required	Accounting skillsAble to work as part of a team Honesty and confidentiality
Time commitment	2 hours per week, as per schedule
Duration	2 year term, renewable
Orientation Training	Provided by the pastor
Support Supervision Evaluation	Pastor PastorReview annually
Risk Assessment	High Risk
Screening Procedures	Provide a position descriptionFill out pre-printed yellow form Pages 1-4Interview Reference checksPolice records check Orientation and trainingSupervisory checks and evaluations

Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister to the Sick

Accountability	Pastor/Parish team and coordinator
Purpose of Ministry	Bring the Eucharist and the prayerful support of the parish to the infirm and shut-ins
Participant Group	Infirm and shut-ins
Activities and Responsibilities	Meet with the infirm and the shut-ins at their homes (or nursing homes)Follow the schedule provided and find a replacement when unable to fulfil dutiesInform coordinator of visits Maintain confidentiality
Skills and Qualifications Required	Baptized, practicing Catholic Patient and dependable Good listening skills
Time commitment	2 hours per week as per schedule
Duration	2 year term, renewable
Orientation Training	Provided by Parish team and /or coordinatorExperienced volunteers bring new volunteer along during visits Annual training workshop
Support Supervision Evaluation	Pastor/Parish team and coordinator Random calls to participants Review annually
Risk Assessment	High risk
Screening Procedures	Provide a Position Description Form Fill out pre-printed yellow form Pages 1-4 InterviewReference Checks Police records check Orientation and trainingSupervisory checks and evaluations

Legion of Mary

Accountability	Pastor/Parish team and Legion of Mary coordinator
Purpose of Ministry	To provide spiritual growth and evangelization and Marian devotion
Participant Group	Outreach to Parish members as directed by the pastor and their constitution
Activities and Responsibilities	Weekly meetings and outreach activities Outreach activities with 2 membersPay yearly dues
Skills and Qualifications Required	Baptized, practicing Catholic Good interpersonal skills
Time commitment	2 hours per week for meetings and time required for outreach activities
Duration	Not applicable
Orientation Training	Provided by the Legion of Mary
Support Supervision Evaluation	Pastor/Parish team and Legion of Mary coordinator Provided by outreach activities done in pairsNot applicable
Risk Assessment	High
Screening Procedures	Provide a volunteer position description form Fill out pre-printed yellow form Pages 1-4 InterviewReferences checked Police Records Check Orientation and training Supervisory checks

Minister to the Inmates of the Prison

Accountability	Parish team and coordinator of Prison Volunteers
Purpose of Ministry	Bring the Eucharist and the prayerful support of the parish to the inmates
Participant Group	Inmates
Activities and Responsibilities	Meet with the inmates in a designated area of the prison facility Follow the schedule provided and find a replacement when unable to fulfill dutiesEscort an inmate who is eligible for a pass to attend Mass in a local churchInform coordinator of visits Maintain confidentiality
Skills and Qualifications Required	Baptized, practicing Catholic Patient and dependable Good listening skills
Time commitment	2 hours per week as per schedule
Duration	2 year term, renewable
Orientation Training	Provided by Parish team and /or Prison Volunteer coordinator Experienced volunteers bring new volunteer along during visits Annual training workshop
Support Supervision Evaluation	Parish team and Prison Volunteer Coordinator Parish team and Prison Volunteer Coordinator Review annually
Risk Assessment	High risk
Screening Procedures	Provide a Position Description Form Fill out pre-printed yellow form Pages 1-4 InterviewReference Checks Police records check Orientation and trainingSupervisory checks and evaluations

Religious Articles Purchaser/Vendor

Accountability	Pastor
Purpose of Ministry	To provide an opportunity for parishioners to purchase religious articles and books at the parish during scheduled hours.
Participant Group	A Registered Parishioner
Activities and Responsibilities	Purchase for sale articles during scheduled hours.Assist arrangement of religious articles in display cabinet or on display and ensure the display is tidy and secure.Assist customers in purchasing and making change.Count cash at the beginning and at the end of a shift, ensuring that funds and sales are balanced.Communicate any issues that arise regarding parishioner's requests and/or concerns to the pastor.
Skills and Qualifications Required	Honest and trustworthy Computation skills Recordkeeping skillsKnowledge of religious articles being sold at the parish.
Time commitment
Duration	1-2 year term
Orientation Training	Standard Parish Orientation and training provided by previous Religious Articles Purchaser/Vendor
Support Supervision Evaluation	The Pastor The Pastor
Risk Assessment	High
Screening Procedures	Provide a position descriptionFill out pre-printed yellow form Pages 1-4Interview Reference checks Police CheckOrientation and training

Sacrament Parish Program Leaders

Accountability	Pastor or his designate
Purpose of Ministry	Under the direction of the pastor or his designate, the confirmation program leaders help organize and lead the parish segment of the preparation for and the celebration of this sacrament by the grade eight students of the parish community.
Participant Group	Parish Youth in Grades 2-8
Activities and Responsibilities	The "parish segment" includes teacher meetings, parent meetings, and a retreat with the students, study sessions and Liturgical ceremonies.
Skills and Qualifications Required	That the leaders be committed, practicing members of the parish faith community That they know, agree with and have personally celebrated the reception of the sacrament of confirmation. That they have the capacity to teach and relate to children 7 to 14 years of age in a mature professional, sympathetic, respectful and personal manner. That they have the ability and willingness to offer the time necessary for the running of this annual program That they have the knowledge of correct procedures to follow in cases of suspected neglect or abuse of a child.
Time commitment	2 hours per month
Duration	4 month period
Orientation / Training	Orientation meeting at the beginning of program
Support Supervision Evaluation	Pastor or his designateTo parents or guardians of the children for the time under the supervision of the program leaders
Risk Assessment	High
Screening Procedure	Provided with a position descriptionFill out pre-printed yellow form Pages 1-4 Be interviewed,References checked Police records check Supervision and feedback Participant follow-up

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Accountability	St. Vincent de Paul Conference with authorization from the parish pastor
Purpose of Ministry	To provide assistance and counseling for people in financial need in emergency situationsTo assist the children of people in financial need with nutrition programs and camps
Participant Group	Families and people in financial need
Activities and Responsibilities	Respond to request for assistance made to the conference or parish Go to homes of the needy to provide vouchers with a fellow VincentianCollect donations at the church
Skills and Qualifications Required	Good interpersonal skills Good self-esteemDesire to help others
Time commitment	Possibly 4 hours per month Monthly meetings 1-2 hours
Duration	Not applicable
Orientation Training	Rule book for each memberBuddy system for each new memberDiscussion and advice given at monthly meetings
Support Supervision Evaluation	President of each conferenceCalls are logged and discussed at each meeting, go to homes in pairs President of the conference
Risk Assessment	High risk
Screening Procedures	Provide a volunteer position description form Fill out pre-printed yellow form Pages 1-4 InterviewReferences checked Police Check Orientation and training Supervisory checks

Youth Group Leader

Accountability	Pastor/Parish team and Youth Ministry Coordinator
Purpose of Ministry	To assist in planning and organizing youth activities
Participant Group	Youth Group
Activities and Responsibilities	Facilitate and attend meetings Supervise social and spiritual activitiesPrepare liturgies with the coordinator and youth group as required Record information and maintain recordsAttend planning meetings
Skills and Qualifications Required	Baptized, practicing Catholic Work well with youthGood communication, interpersonal and organizational skills Ability to take direction, to lead and to delegate
Time commitment	3-4 hours per week, increased during peak times
Duration	2 year term, renewable
Orientation Training	Provided by the youth ministry coordinator and the Parish team Ongoing training and attendance at seminars and workshops
Support Supervision Evaluation	Pastor/Parish Team and Youth Ministry coordinatorScheduled by the Parish team and the youth Ministry coordinator Review annually
Risk Assessment	High Risk
Screening Procedures	Provide a position descriptionFill out pre-printed yellow form Pages 1-4Interview Reference checksPolice records check Orientation and trainingSupervisory checks and evaluations

Youth Ministry Coordinator

Accountability	Pastor/Parish Team
Purpose of Ministry	Coordinate Programs and activities for youth
Participant Group	Youth
Activities and Responsibilities	Coordinate programs and activities involving youth Develop youth leadershipServe as representative for youth to other parish agencies
Skills and Qualifications Required	Baptized, practicing Catholic Work well with children and youthGood communication, interpersonal and organizational skills Imaginative and creativeKnowledge of Child and Family Service Act.
Time commitment	3-5 hours per week plus additional hours as required
Duration	2 year term, renewable
Orientation Training	Provided by Pastor/Parish teamOngoing training and attendance at seminars and workshops
Support Supervision Evaluation	Parish team and Diocesan Youth Council (VEYO) Parish teamReview annually
Risk Assessment	High Risk
Screening Procedures	Provide a Position description formFill out pre-printed yellow form Pages 1-4Interview Reference checksPolice records checks Orientation and trainingSupervisory checks and evaluations

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High Risk

Position Descriptions

Forms for Volunteer Screening

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