OSSU schools rely on a dedicated group of volunteers. Family members, friends, caregivers, and community members are encouraged to get involved and apply to volunteer by first contacting the school at which you would like to serve. You may reach out to a teacher or member of the school administration who will share with you volunteer opportunities and the application process.
To ensure our students are learning in a safe, secure, and stable environment, OSSU performs a Vermont criminal record check screening through the Vermont Criminal Information Center (VCIC) on all individuals interested in volunteering in our schools or recreation department.
Steps to Becoming a Volunteer
OSSU allows two levels of background checks for our volunteers.
Our Level 1 volunteers can participate in activities in the school buildings alongside other staff members during school hours and for some afterschool activities where other staff are present. Level 1 has no fees and requires the volunteer to complete two forms (you can view/download the Level 1 forms here), and return them in person to any school office with a valid photo ID.
Our Level 2 volunteers can participate in many more opportunities on and off school campuses such as field trips, assistant coaching, ski/ride/skate opportunities, and more. Level 2 volunteers must be fingerprinted and have associated fees for that process. All Level 2 background checks are processed in person, by appointment, at the OSSU Central Office. Information about fees and the timeline are below.
For Level 2, please follow these steps:
1. Start by emailing hr@ossu.org with a few appointment times and dates you can come to the Central Office at 156 Daniels Rd, Suite 1 in Hardwick. Walk-in appointments are not available.
2. At the scheduled appointment, please bring a payment of $13.25 and a valid photo ID. We can only accept checks paid to O.S.S.U. or exact cash.
3. Complete three forms at the office and take the Fingerprint Authorization Certificate with you to present at your fingerprinting appointment with the law enforcement agency of your choice.
4. Arrange and complete your fingerprinting: The Hardwick Police Department (802-472-5475) has intermittent availability to take fingerprints or you can use any agency on this list. Expect to pay a $30-40 fee at the law enforcement agencies. When you make your fingerprinting appointment, ask about the fee and the ID needed for your appointment. This fee is non-refundable by OSSU or our schools.
Results take up to 7 weeks or more; please plan early for school activities, sports seasons, field trips, etc
Vermont Criminal Record Check
In order to protect our students from potential abuse or exploitation, school districts will be performing a Vermont criminal record check screening through the Vermont Criminal Information Center (VCIC) on all individuals interested in volunteering in our schools or recreation department
No individual subject to the criminal record checks shall be eligible to serve (or continue to serve) as a volunteer if they have been convicted of one or more of the following crimes (taken from 16 V.S.A. § § 252 and 1698). The list of disqualifying crimes is not meant to be all inclusive. For convictions not listed, eligibility to volunteer shall be considered on a case by case basis. The totality of the crimes shall also be considered when determining eligibility to volunteer. The decision of the Superintendent in these matters shall be final:
- Sex offender crimes listed in 13 V.S.A. § 5401(10) (sex offender definition for registration purposes):
- Crimes involving a victim listed in 13 V.S.A. § 5301(7)
- Contributing to juvenile delinquency under 13 V.S.A. § 1301
- Cruelty to children under 13 V.S.A. § 1304
- Cruelty by person having custody under 13 V.S.A. § 1305
- Prohibited acts under 13 V.S.A. § § 2632 and 2635
- Displaying obscene materials to minors under 13 V.S.A. § 2804b
- Sexual exploitation of children under 13 V.S.A. chapter 64
- Drug sales, including selling or dispensing under 18 V.S.A. § § 4230(b), 4231(b), 4232(b), 4233(b), 4234(b),4234a, 4234b, 4235(c), 4235a(b), and 4237
- Sexual activity by a caregiver, under 33 V.S.A. § 6902(D)
- Crimes that are cause for licensing actions listed in 16 V.S.A. § 1698(1)(B)-(D)
In addition to the above disqualification, it is the discretion of the Superintendent to accept or not accept specific individuals as volunteers, and all decisions related to the continuation of a volunteer’s service. The Superintendent's decision on these matters is considered final.
Contact
Tess Martin, HR Manager
802-472-6531