Thank you for volunteering for a ministry at Church of the Open Door!
In an effort to protect you as well as those we serve, we need for those serving to understand our practices and policies related to serving in any and all areas of our Church (COD). Please take the time to review the content related to the area in which you are seeking to serve. Any questions may be directed to the Ministry Leader under whom you are serving or to the Church office at (410) 876-3838.
1.
It is important that every volunteer for Church of the Open Door review our Ministry Practices and Policy related to serving in any of our ministries.
ALL DRIVERS
All of our drivers need to be familiar with our accident procedures.
2.
ALL VOLUNTEERS
All volunteers are required to complete the following:
ALL DRIVERS
All "drivers" must complete the Driver Commitment Agreement and submit a copy of their state driver's license (as well as health certificate if they drive a bus).
Drivers must complete a Driver Accident/Incident Report in the event of any occurrence. Accident/Incident Reporting kits are in every Ministry-owned vehicle. If you need additional copies, please contact the Bus Ministry Leader or the Church Office.
LEADERS
If any type of incident occurs during a Ministry activity, an Incident Report needs to be completed. If you need forms, please contact the Ministry Leader or the Church Office.
These completed forms may be returned to the Ministry Leader under whom you are serving, to the Welcome Center, or to the Church Office.
Return to Top
We have online training for multiple areas through our insurance carrier, Selective Insurance. Please complete the training that is relevant to the ministry in which you are volunteering. Courses below that are available in additional languages are denoted with [ENG] for English and[ES] for Spanish.
Please note, you will need to set up a user account on the Praesidium training platform prior to attempting to take any online courses. Please send an email to mail@opendoorchurch.org to request a training account. Please contact the Church Office if you have questions - (410) 876-3838, ext. 303.
ABUSE PREVENTION
YOUTH & CHILDREN
Foundations - Preventing Abuse in Youth-Serving Organizations*: This course provides foundational knowledge and skills to protect children in youth-serving organizations. Relevant images and real-life scenarios help learners understand the scope and impact of abuse, identify boundary-crossing and red-flag behaviors, and manage high-risk activities and locations. Learners will also learn how to respond effectively if a child or youth discloses abuse and their moral and legal reporting responsibilities. (ENG), (ES), (FR)
ELDERLY & DISABLED
Preventing Abuse Against Adults with Disabilities: Providing care to individuals with disabilities is rewarding and challenging work. However, some caregivers psychologically abuse, physically abuse, steal from those they care for, and some even sexually abuse people in their care. In this course, learners learn the facts about abuse of individuals with disabilities, the characteristics of potential victims, and awareness of potential abusers and high-risk environments. They will also learn critical steps to keep clients safe and how to prevent false allegations.
Preventing Elder Abuse and Neglect: It's hard to believe that anyone would hurt the elderly. Fortunately, federal and state laws and regulations help protect vulnerable adults from abuse. Participants will learn Facts about abuse and neglect and how to recognize risk factors, warning signs, and red-flag behaviors.
GENERAL
Abuse Risk Management*: This course describes how offenders operate, the devastating effects of abuse, and the specific steps that can betaken to prevent abuse and false allegations of abuse. (ENG), (ES)
Abuse Prevention Refresher: Once employees and volunteers know the basics about preventing abuse in their organization, it’s time for real-life application. Learners learn the importance of acting on warning signs and how to do so. They will also learn how to keep themselves and co-workers safe from false allegations and how to apply their knowledge to real-life scenarios. (ES)
Duty to Report-Mandated Reporter: Adults have a moral responsibility, and in many cases, a legal responsibility, to report suspected child abuse or neglect. In this course, learners will learn why reporting suspected abuse and neglect is critical, the legal responsibilities for reporting report suspected abuse and neglect, what types of conduct must be reported, how to report suspected abuse and neglect, and how to respond if a child discloses abuse or neglect. (ENG), (ES)
Keeping Your Church Safe: Designed with the unique needs of churches in mind, in this course, learners will learn five specific ways your actions can keep children safe, the importance of keeping a watchful eye, what to do in the case of suspicious situations, and how to respond to inappropriate behavior. This course is a vital asset to your church ministries as it includes information about how offenders operate and provides helpful guidelines for screening applicants and keeping children safe across your ministries. (ENG), (ES)
Understanding Investigations: This course is a useful introduction to the investigations process that can benefit complainants, those facing accusations, witnesses, and Human Resources personnel. In this course, learners learn what might prompt an organization to conduct an investigation, who can benefit from understanding how organizations conduct investigations, guiding principles of investigations, and steps in the investigation process.
YOUTH
Basics of Youth Behavior Management: Teachers, counselors, and caregivers face the daily challenge of influencing and responding to the behavior of the youths in their care. By using basic techniques to teach appropriate behaviors and eliminate negative behaviors, adults can create a positive, productive environment in the organization. Users will learn the behavior management basics, what to do when nothing else works, how to determine if a youth should be removed from the program, and tips for self-management.
DRIVER SAFETY
There is an annual in-person Driver Safety Class that is held. Drivers will be notified of the timing for the class. If you have any questions, please contact the Church Office.
Return to Top
Return to Top
