Staff/Volunteer Safety


2-60
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES MANUAL
PROCEDURE
STAFF/VOLUNTEER SAFETY


Staff/volunteers who feel at risk or have safety concerns should discuss the situation with their supervisor at the earliest opportunity. Furthermore, staff/volunteers should practise the following preventive measures.

VISITING RESIDENCES

1.xxxxxx Before going to a client's residence for a first time visit, inform staff at the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) of your expected location.

2.xxxxxx If possible, request another staff member/volunteer to attend with you.

IN PUBLIC PLACES (e.g., bar)

1.xxxxxx Follow the preventive measures listed below, as appropriate.

2.xxxxxx Link with a staff member of the facility to report incident.

3.xxxxxx Report incident to supervisor at an appropriate time.

COUNSELLING AT ACT

If concerned about a new/potentially violent client:

1.xxxxxx Do not have client follow you to room. Instead, walk together or have client lead.

2.xxxxxx For first meeting with new client, meet in room with glass front if possible.

3.xxxxxx Notify another staff member/volunteer to watch out for you.

4.xxxxxx Keep potential weapons off desk and out of sight, e.g., scissors, letter openers, large staplers.

5.xxxxxx Sit closest to the door.

6.xxxxxx If there is any indication that the client has a weapon (e.g., knife, gun) immediately terminate session.

7.xxxxxx If there are any sounds of anger or violence, investigate immediately so client and staff/volunteer know help is readily available.

VIOLENT SITUATION PROTOCOL

Staff/volunteers should follow preventive measures as outlined above.

If a staff member/volunteer has a perception of pending violence or feels unsafe, the staff member/volunteer may discontinue interaction at any time.

If a violent situation occurs:

-xxxxxx Employ de-escalation strategies if appropriate, e.g., reason with person, request person to cease violent behaviour.

-xxxxxx Remove self and others from potentially harmful situation.

-xxxxxx Seek additional support, e.g., staff, volunteer, or call 911 and request police assistance, as appropriate.

-xxxxxx Report situation to supervisor.

-xxxxxx Complete incident report (see Incident Reports, AM #'s 8-100 and 8-101).

-xxxxxx In consultation with supervisor, determine consequences, e.g., referral of client to appropriate services, if client will continue to have access to service at ACT.