Riverside County Fire Department

Volunteer Reserve Comfort Canine Team

This is an Unpaid Volunteer Position in which

limited compensation may be granted

 

 

Description Updated: January 2023

 

 

PURPOSE AND DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

 

Volunteer Reserve Comfort Canine Teams assist the Riverside County Fire Department in a variety of emergency and non-emergency situations including but not limited to fire station visits, Emergency Command Center (ECC) visits, critical incident deployments with Peer Support Personnel. Teamwork, personal investment, and self-sacrifice are the basis of the social framework of a Volunteer Reserve Comfort Canine Team. Teams applying must be a member of a recognized therapy organization. There are two tiers of response under peer support.

 

1. Station visits/ controlled environment 
2. Critical incidents with peer support personnel.

 

Category will be determined based on experience on resume and interview.

 

 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

 

The examples of functions listed in this class specification are representative but not necessarily exhaustive or descriptive of any one position in the class. Management is not precluded from assigning other related functions not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment for the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable an individual with a qualified disability to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

 

Depending on certification level, duties may include, but are not limited to;

 

May assist in fire station or ECC visitations to provide comfort and stress reduction to field personnel.

 

May assist Peer Support personnel in critical incidents to enhance critical incident stress management.

 

May assist in building relationships with field personnel and building mental resiliency.

 

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

 

Each Volunteer Reserve Comfort Canine Teams brings a unique combination of experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to the team. Knowledge, skills and abilities that are particularly applicable to this type of assignment include:

 

Must have the ability to work effectively under the stress of emergency situations and calmly and effectively handle others in emergency situations.

 

Must have the ability to read, learn, and remember changes in policy or procedures.

 

Must have the ability to apply information in a logical manner; maintain composure, confront stressful situations, and withstand the effects of repeated exposure to traumatic situations.

 

Must have the ability to take and follow orders from supervisors.

 

Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community personnel, other fire agencies, outside agencies, and the general public.

 

 

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

 

Volunteer Reserve Comfort Canine Teams must possess the physical, mental, and emotional ability to successfully perform the essential and often stressful duties of such an assignment. The mental/physical characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met:

 

Frequently stand, walk or sit for extended timeframes.

 

 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

 

Must be a high school graduate or have passed the GED Requirements at time of appointment.

 

Be able to read and write English at a level required for successful job performance.

 

Be at least 18 years of age.

 

K9 and Handler must have current certification in a department approved program for Comfort Canine’s

 

Able to follow oral and written direction, exercise good judgment, work safely independently and with others, respond quickly to oral commands or signals during emergency situations.

 

May be required to complete any standard training requirements as approved by the department before being allowed to participate in department activities.

 

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

 

Volunteer Reserve Comfort Canine Teams may be called upon to respond and work in all types of weather and less than ideal conditions. They may be assigned to remote areas. They may be asked to endure extended shifts, sometimes on weekends and holidays. Volunteer Reserve Comfort Canine Teams may be exposed to emotional hazards associated with firefighting, emergency medical response and rescue.

 

 

DESIRABLE TRAITS:

 

Communicate effectively, knowledgeable worker, customer focused, values and respects others, drives to excel, teamwork and collaboration, continuous learning, demonstrates ethical behavior and supportive to change.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

 

Riverside County Volunteer Reserve Comfort Canine Teams must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Successful completion of a background investigation conducted by the County of Riverside Human Resources is required. Misdemeanor and/or felony convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency. In addition, personal references and employment information will be verified.

 

 

Volunteer Reserve Comfort Canine Teams serve at the pleasure of the Riverside County Fire Chief and may be separated at any time. Volunteer Reserve Comfort Canine Teams have no employment rights with the County of Riverside and are not considered employees.

 

 

HOW TO APPLY

Applications may be obtained at https://www.rvcfire.org/about-us/volunteer as positions are open and available. All required documentation must be submitted with the application including a resume and proof of current Comfort K9 certification.