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Team Rubicon Disaster Response

Timothy Pena • Apr 18, 2023

"Take me to the brig. I want to see the real Marines." - Chesty Puller, LGEN, USMC (Ret.)

WHAT IS TEAM RUBICON?

Team Rubicon is a veteran-led humanitarian organization that serves global communities before, during, and after disasters and crises. Founded in 2010 with the expressed goal of quickly responding to large-scale disasters, Team Rubicon has deployed thousands of volunteers across the United States and world to provide relief to communities in need. When disaster strikes, we work hard to help the most vulnerable in need. By working with or alongside local agencies and governments, Team Rubicon seeks to be of the utmost service to those in need.


WHO SERVES IN GREY?

While the bulk of Team Rubicon's ranks are filled by military veterans, we welcome and are reinforced by first responders as well as determined individuals who have never served in uniform.


IF YOU'RE READY TO HELP THOSE IN NEED, THERE'S A GREY SHIRT WITH YOUR NAME ON IT.


WHAT'S IT LIKE TO SERVE?

Volunteering with Team Rubicon is not easy. You'll dig deep, get dirty, and work hard. You'll be challenged. Depending on your experience, you may have the opportunity to deploy on domestic and international operations. In addition to the application, each Grey Shirt is required to complete a Background Check with details and FAQ's listed below.


Background Checks



The goal of our background check policy is to ensure a safe operating environment for our members and the communities we serve.

Since 1 October 2014, a background check is required to participate in any overnight event, including but not limited to a field operation or project. Every member who enters a house to work or sleeps next to us in the gym should be someone we can trust. This is the focus of our policy.

Since 12 October 2016, Team Rubicon members may pay for their check online or elect to have Team Rubicon cover the cost upfront. Members no longer may request reimbursement from Team Rubicon. Background check portal. We're not looking for saints. Do not be discouraged by this process. We all have skeletons in the closet. In rare cases, we may redirect members whose backgrounds threaten a safe operating environment.

Our background checks are conducted by Employment Screening Resources, an independent third party and member of the National Association of Professional Background Screeners. You can read more about ESR including viewing their privacy policy at www.ESRcheck.com. Results are strictly confidential and are visible only to designated, full-time Team Rubicon staff and will not be shared with team members or regional leaders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to complete a background check to be a member of Team Rubicon?
A: No. However, a check is required to hold a leadership role or participate in events. A background check is required to participate in any overnight event, including but not limited to an operation or project.

Q: I have a security clearance and/or a recent background check through my employer or government. Do I still need to submit to the TR background check?
A: Yes. For quality control and consistency, a completed check with Team Rubicon is required even if one is completed elsewhere.

Q: What is the purpose of the background check?
A: To ensure a safe operating environment.

Q: What are the criteria for passing a background check?
A: Please refer to the attached copy of our background check policy.

Q: Do I have to pay for a background check?
A: You can pay for the check online via debit/credit card or choose to have Team Rubicon pay the cost.

Q: How much does a background check cost?
A: Costs vary by location, typically $25-$35. Additional fees may be incurred depending on the state.

Q: How long does it take for a background check to be completed?
A: Typically results are received within 15 days.

Q: How do I get reimbursed?
A: If you completed a background check prior to 12 Oct 2016, please complete a background check reimbursement request at 
http://bit.ly/2et1Wkf. TR HQ accounting will verify the cost of your background check and mail you a check within 60 days. If you completed a background check after 12 October 2016, there is no need to fill out a reimbursement request.

Q: What does Team Rubicon do with the results?
A: Designated Team Rubicon full-time staff review for compliance with the Background Check Policy. Results of checks are not shared with other members or regional leaders.

Q: What must I do before starting?
A: BEFORE YOU BEGIN, have all the following information available prior to going online:

  • Personal information
  • Your social security number
  • Driver's license number and expiration date
  • Credit / Debit card to pay the application fee
  • Your residential, work and school address history for the last 7 years including
  • Street names and numbers, city, state
  • When you lived, worked or studied at each address

Q: Do I need to do or have anything special?
A: You will need a laptop or desktop computer with Internet access. Tablets and smartphones are not currently supported. After clicking on the link below, the system will run a quick test to make sure you have a web browser and operating system that are compatible and up to date. If, for some reason, your computer does not pass the test or you have any difficulty logging on or using any of the features, you will find a link to the Technical Support Solutions Guide in the far left column of the website. If you still need help give us a call at 888-999-4474.

Okay, I'm ready to begin, what do I do next?

  • Simply click here to login to our totally secure SSL encrypted website.
  • If you have trouble with the link above, please cut and paste the URL below into your browser:
    https://esrcheck.com/app/Applicants/index.aspx?un=llEdf3IjQfmkaSAF&pw=DijmPcN68gMWQl7U
  • Note: This login link will expire on 5/14/2023
  • After logging in you will be guided step by step through the process.
  • I have 30 days to complete this process.

Employment Screening Resources (ESR)
www.esrcheck.com
6250 Shiloh Road, Suite 300
Alpharetta, GA 30005
Phone: 888-999-4474


Timothy Pena initially traveled to NYC at the invitation of RIP Medical Debt founder and U.S. Navy Veteran Jerry Ashton to collaborate for his project, Veterans Mission Possible. Soon after arriving, Tim decided he would rather be homeless in NYC than commit suicide in Phoenix and spent five months in a shelter before obtaining his HUD/VASH voucher for supportive housing while detailing his journey from homeless to homeness with a series of articles called, 'Be the Story'. He has testified before the NYS Department of Veterans Affairs, is a member of the NYC Veterans Task Force and Military Veterans in Journalism, while founding The Forgotten Veteran non-profit. Email: Timothy Pena

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