Screening & Training

Some level of screening to assess the suitability of a person to work with minors is essential. Background checks per USU standards should always be included as part of a screening process. Preparatory training on safety, youth development and program-specific topics ensures that those selected are equipped for success.

dark green

Very Low Risk Exposure

USU employees or volunteers are screened for suitability, background checked and receive more than 8 hours of training.

light green

Low Risk Exposure

USU employees or volunteers are screened, background checked but receive only 2-8 hours of training.

yellow

Moderate Risk Exposure

USU employees or volunteers are not screened but are background checked and receive only 2-8 hours of training.

orange

High Risk Exposure

USU employees or volunteers are not screened, but are background checked; receive less than 2 hours of training.

red

Very High Risk Exposure

USU employees or volunteers have not been screened, background checked or trained.

Reducing Risk

Tips for reducing risk for Screening and Training

  • Whether hiring for a temporary or permanent staff position, or selecting a volunteer, it is important to assess their suitability to interact with youth. It’s always best to hire people who have some experience working or volunteering in a group-oriented youth setting, ideally working with the same age as your program participants.
  • Review your program activities, functions of the position and craft questions relating to these and the type of youth you serve.
  • Ways to screen can include having them complete an application, doing an
    interview, and checking professional references. The more responsibility the position requires, the more rigorous your screening should be, e.g., including all three of the above components.
  • Even in a relatively informal screening process, say with volunteers, it’s always helpful to ask a couple of questions on an application or in an in-person screening. Example questions: “Why are you interested in volunteering with us?” and “Have you worked with youth before?”
  • When in doubt about whether a certain employee or volunteer should have a background check, err on the side of having one done. You may also consult with USU Human Resources.
  • Consider what a staff person needs to know in order to effectively do their
    job. Important topics include:
    • Reporting suspected child abuse or neglect (Required of any
      covered program authorized adult) Online training available
    • Safe interactions with youth (Required of all covered program
      employees) Online training available
    • Conduct expectations for staff and participants
    • Emergency response and preparedness
    • First Aid, managing medications
    • Parent communication (as applicable)
    • Youth Development- how to safely and effectively work with the with the specific age of youth you are serving. Especially important if no prior experience with youth or this age group.
    • HR and personnel related policies
    • Tips on facilitating activities with youth
    • Handling conflict between youth
    • Equity and inclusion in youth programs
  • A way to make the most of limited in-person pre-service time with your staff is to offer training online ahead of time. Follow up on these topics in person to reinforce key points. Reserve content that is best addressed in
    person for your pre-service training day. 
  • Develop a tracking system to ensure that all employees and volunteers complete required trainings.