Marion County Search and Rescue, Inc

INFORMATION FOR POTENTIAL ADULT VOLUNTEERS


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Thank you for your interest in being an adult leader of Search and Rescue Crew 18! We know that the quality of the program we're able to offer is directly related to the adult leadership we have.

We try to offer our adult members a lot of flexibility on what they do and how much time they spend. To become "certified" in search and rescue can take quite a bit of time; other options are available for those who don't have that much time or interest.

It's important for us to make clear at the beginning that even though search and rescue is what we "do", we are not primarily a search and rescue group: We are primarily a youth group. The first requirement for any adult is an interest in working with teenagers: we can teach you search and rescue, but we can't teach you to enjoy working with teens.

Here are the options available. After you've had a chance to look them over, please contact us and we'll be happy to have your help!

ADULT VOLUNTEER POSITION DESCRIPTIONS

1. The basic requirement for all adults is an interest in working with teenagers. That includes an absolute commitment to the safety and protection of the teenage members.

2. Minimum age for the following positions is 21 years.

3. Everyone at the level of Certified and above is considered to be part of the "management team" and is expected to attend the monthly leadership team meetings regularly.

4. The Marion County Sheriff's Office requires all volunteers to pass a police background check. Those who drive unit- or county-owned vehicles must also pass a driving record check and a driving safety course.

Consultant: Consultants are generally interested in helping with one specific part of the program. They may offer to drive vehicles, do repairs, help teach a subject in which they have expertise, do typing, and so on. There is no minimum level of participation expected of consultants; however, they are expected to coordinate with the Division they have volunteered to and follow through on projects.

Certified: These adults have completed the training program along with the youth members, and are certified by the Sheriff in search and rescue. They usually are members of either Operations or Training. Certified adults may supervise training sessions.

Notes:
 • Adults who have limited time may be able to spread the training over two
years.
 • Everyone who is certified is required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing training each year to maintain their certification (that's an Oregon State Sheriff's Association rule).
 • Credit for previous training or experience in any of the areas covered in the training program (search/rescue techniques, first aid, survival, wilderness navigation, etc) is decided on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the Sheriff's office search and rescue coordinator.

Field Leader/Operations Leader: This is an appointed position for Certified adults with at least 2 years of experience, based on training, experience, leadership skills and availability. Our policy requires that an Operations Leader be in charge of Crew 18 on all search missions. Experienced Operations Leaders may also be used by the Sheriff's office as incident staff on search missions.

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