Welcome to the Team!! 

DE BEST Volunteer Onboarding

Step 1:

After registering on the SERVDE site, you will receive an automatic system-generated email that confirms that you created an account. It is mandatory to create a profile on our website here, DE BEST Website. Our team communications portal will be used for opportunity sign ups,  program notifications, activities and training announcements, tracking time, resource sharing and more!! Please ensure that your information is kept current (including contact information, trainings, emergency contact, etc.). Do not hesitate to contact a staff member if you encounter any difficulties and/or concerns.

Step 2:

The Waiver and Code of Conduct is required prior to any participation in any activity. Additionally, if you would send a picture it can be uploaded to your SERVDE profile and used for your ID Badge (which will eventually be provided to you). Pictures should be clear, forward facing and have a plain background.

Step 3: Create and Update Profiles.

You will develop and maintain several profiles as a RespondDE BEST Volunteer:

• • SERVDE (volunteer registry), DEBEST/GalaxyDigital.com (team communications and opportunities board)

  • FEMA (online student instruction courses that link to DETRAIN)

  • DETRAIN (online training site)

  • DLC (state trainings that require registration - note that DLC is not linked to our sites.)

  • NCTSN.org (for PFA and SPR - note again that NCTSN is not linked to any of our sites.)

As a DE BEST volunteer, there are many trainings available to you, both recommended and required, for our unit and/or specialty teams. For DE BEST, there are two trainings that are strongly encouraged and are immediately accessible online: Psychological First Aid and Crisis Counseling (SAMHSA's CCP Just In Time Training). You will find that most DE BEST deployments require one or both of these trainings. Please send a copy of your certificate, or proof of completion of either training to: DEBESTvolunteers@gmail.com. 

REQUIRED TRAININGS FOR DE BEST VOLUNTEERS

Step 4: Maintain Qualifications

Step 5: Be prepared. Stay Active, Stay in Touch!!!

Complete all required trainings. Participate in Committee Meetings, Quarterly Meetings, Bi-annual trainings/workshops, and Bi-annual Meet & Greets. Respond to any email, call or text (please. this allows us to know that you're still with the team even if you're not available to participate at that time).  

Note:  The most important message regarding deployments is: please do not self-deploy and all deployment details are CONFIDENTIAL. If you ever need to change availability after a sign up, please adjust your status on our site AND contact us as soon as possible - by phone or email. If you have signed up for DE BEST deployment, the contact will be myself cpeart@udel.edu.

Universal Role of DE BEST Volunteers 

Our main function at this time is to distribute Hope Line resources. We also provide appropriate emotional support for responders and volunteers as needed, per your ability, comfort and training only (PFA/referral to resources, see bottom of page for additional information). Please remain flexible when reporting to any DE BEST deployment.

When deploying, please remain flexible - our role is to support the operations and provide appropriate emotional support for responders and volunteers. We typically walk the area and check in with responders and community members, make small talk, looking for those that may need a quiet personal conversation (PFA).You may be assigned a role, such as crowd control/direction or form completion assistance.