Core Competencies

In partnership with the National Association of City and County Health Officials, the MRC Program Office hasidentified eight core competencies for MRC volunteers. Although not a requirement, these competencies establisha baseline for all volunteers and are appropriate for everyone regardless of background.

The eight competencies for safety and a better functioning unit:

1. Describe the procedure and steps necessary for the MRC member to protect health, safety,
and overall well-being of themselves, their families, the team, and the community.

2. Document that the MRC member has a personal and family preparedness plan.

3. Describe chain of command (e.g. Emergency Management Systems, ICS, NIMS),
the integration of the MRC, and its application to a given incident.

4. Describe the local MRC unit’s role in public health and/or emergency
response and its application to a given incident.

5. Describe the MRC member’s communication role and processes with response partners,
media, general public, and others.

6. Describe the impact of an event on the mental health of the MRC member, responders, and others.

7. Demonstrate the MRC member’s ability to follow procedures for assignment, activation, reporting, and deactivation.

8. Identify limits to own skills, knowledge, and abilities as they pertain to MRC