Marion County Emergency Management Program Coordinator(s): Qualifications: Assigned by MCEM Emergency Manager Responsibilities: Communicate with Team Leaders Communicate with MC Volunteer Coordinator to verify applicants are being processed for approval/denial Assist in providing training for Team Members Work directly with MCEM for activations, etc. Purchase requested items Maintain Volgistics Maintain Team Leads Contact information Process Volunteer Paperwork Track Volunteer Hours Referrers Disciplinary actions to EM Provide direction to team members Provide list of active volunteers to Team Leaders monthly Marion County Emergency Manager: Qualifications: Assigned by Marion County Public Works Director Responsibilities: Communicate with MCEM Program Coordinator(s) Activate Marion County Citizens Corps teams as sees fit Manages all disciplinary actions of team members Dismiss team members accordingly Prerequisites/Training The FEMA Basic CERT class (Minimum 21hrs) is offered throughout the year and is usually free of charge. Classes are held in a variety of different ways from 1 night a week for several weeks to two weekends of back to back training. Classes are taught by FEMA & Marion County Emergency Management approved instructors. Every CERT member is required to complete a Basic CERT class, although it is optional for MRC and AuxCom/ARES Members.
Volunteer Protection Act Individuals volunteering with Marion County Citizens Corps may also qualify for protection under the Federal Volunteer Protection Act of 1997, which in some cases protects volunteers from personal liability. The act states that a volunteer of a nonprofit organization or governmental entity is immune from liability for harm caused by an act or omission of the volunteer on behalf of the organization or entity if: 1) The act or omission was within the scope of the volunteer’s responsibilities in the organization or entity. 2) If required, the volunteer was properly licensed, certified, or authorized by the appropriate state authorities for the activities or practice giving rise to the claim. 3) The harm was not accused by willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed by the volunteer. 4) The harm was not caused by the volunteer’s operation of a motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or other vehicle for which the state requires the operator to possess a license or maintain insurance. Automobile Liability Volunteers may be cleared to drive as part of their volunteer work. The volunteer must complete and submit a driving history release form (on occasion the driving record is reviewed as part of the criminal history check) to the Volunteer Services Coordinator prior to driving. A valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record are required before a volunteer will be permitted to drive. Risk Management has the final authority for determining if an individual’s driving history meets county standards. In addition, if a volunteer will be driving his or her personal vehicle, proof of current insurance on the vehicle must be photocopied and included in the volunteer’s file with the county volunteer services coordinator before he or she can drive on county business. Volunteers who drive clients must be assigned to a volunteer position approved by the department head and Risk Management. In case of an accident in a private automobile, the volunteer’s own insurance is primary. Marion County shall indemnify the volunteer for claims within statutory limits if the claims are greater than the volunteer’s insurance liability limits. For