Volunteer Candidacy: Difference between revisions

This section describes qualifications for prospective PBEM volunteers.

== Minimum Qualifications ==

In order to be eligible as a PBEM volunteer and maintain active status with PBEM, an [[PBEM Volunteer Types and Statuses#PBEM Volunteer Status|Applicant]] must satisfy the following minimum program qualifications:

# '''Age:''' an Applicant must be at least 14 years of age. If younger than age 18, the Applicant must obtain and present written parental consent to train and participate as a volunteer or present documentation of legal emancipation.

# '''Registration:''' Applicant must register in the PBEM volunteer database and sign the volunteer [[PBEM Volunteer Code of Conduct|Code of Conduct]] as part of the registration process. Special accommodation will be made for Applicants who have limited access to the Internet.

== Persons with Disabilities ==

Everyone has a part in emergency preparedness and response, and no application to Portland NET will be denied on the basis of any physical or cognitive disability. 11% of PBEM's volunteers self-identify as a person with a physical or cognitive disability.<ref>Average based on year to year volunteer surveying. See Q17 on the annual NET survey at: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=a833021efc3044ee9ff8e792ce6195d6</ref>

In order to ensure equal access to the NET program, PBEM will reasonably modify policies and procedures and provide auxiliary aids and services to persons with disabilities.

== Candidacy Considerations ==

If space is limited in Basic NET training, PBEM will consider prioritizing applications from Applicants who meet any one of the following conditions:

# Possesses a skill or skills relevant to NET responsibilities; and/or

# Is recommended to the program by a fellow NET volunteer.

== Criminal Background ==

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== CERT Training from Agencies Other Than PBEM ==

If an Applicant has completed CERT training and received certification from an agency other than PBEM, PBEM will accept that training in lieu of Basic NET training if:

A volunteer coming in from an outside agency, however, will still need to complete or demonstrate training in any Basic NET topics not offered in Basic CERT. In most cases, this includes Unit 0 (introductory unit), Unit 1 (concerning Portland-specific hazards and preparedness), Unit 2 (since Portland NET does not do operations the same way CERT does), and Unit 9 (radio communications). PBEM staff have the discretion to accept or waive any training requirements for new volunteers.

== Notes and References ==