Home > How to Start an MRC > Technical Assistance Series > Risk Management and Liability Basics for MRC Units >

Risk Management: Checklist

Specific Policies for MRC Units as Part of a Comprehensive Risk Management Plan

From the recruiting plan to post-response activities, all interactions with volunteers are opportunities to optimize the volunteers’ experience and manage the risks inherent in the MRC unit’s mission. Examples of some of the policies and procedures outlined below are available in the Resource section of the MRC Web site at: (http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/resources.asp?mode=BrowseByCategory&category=11). Others (such as confidentiality policies) may be established through your unit’s housing agency.

The following list is a starting point from which your unit can develop its own plan based on its particular needs:

• Position descriptions—Each position or volunteer role should have a written description with as much detail as possible, to include:
  • Purpose of the position
  • Title
  • Location (if known)
  • Key responsibilities
  • Sample tasks/activities
  • Who the volunteer reports to
  • Length of appointment/time commitment (if known/applicable)
  • Qualifications (including required training)
  • Support provided (what the volunteer can expect from the organization)
     
• Volunteer application
   
• Volunteer selection/screening
   
• Documented screening policy—Make your volunteer placement decisions based on this policy, using a combination of the following screening methods (or other appropriate methods):
  • Application review
  • Interviews (with standardized questions based on the position description
  • Reference checks (with standard questions)
  • Verification of licensure and credentials
  • Criminal background checks

Also, it is important to be consistent with your screening procedures.

• Orientation
  • Clarify what is expected of your volunteers
  • Clarify what is not allowed, even if it seems intuitive
  • Handbooks with written policies provide a good reference for volunteers
  • Volunteers should receive an orientation to the mission and policies of the MRC unit
  • What is expected of them, and
  • What they can expect
  • Orientation to the chain of command (e.g., Incident Command System, National Incident Management System) and how the MRC is integrated
     
• Training—Volunteers should receive additional training appropriate to their roles, including training on safety measures and protective equipment, if necessary.
   
• Additional policies regarding volunteer activities
  • Confidentiality (volunteers’ personal information and of those they serve)
  • Representation of your MRC Unit or its housing agency (e.g., media interviews)
  • Fundraising/handling funds
  • Alcohol and drug use
  • Safety guidelines
  • Requirements regarding identification (ID) badges and other ID methods
  • Activation/deployment and deactivation procedures
     
• Policy for termination of volunteers
  • Clarify which actions warrant dismissal
  • Document decisions
  • Do not fail to act
  • Apply policies consistently

Previous | Table of Contents | Next

Last Updated on 8/24/2006