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Verify Skills

Goal: Move a self-reported skill into "verified" so the volunteer can register for slots that require that skill.

Why verification matters​

Anyone can claim a skill on their profile. Verified skills are different — they've been confirmed by an authorized coordinator and carry a date and verifier identity. Slots that require a skill check against verified skills only.

Use verification for skills where actual qualification matters: licensed trades, certified equipment operation, food handling, anything safety-critical.

How to verify​

Verification happens in two contexts:

  • Pre-event — you confirm a volunteer's skill ahead of time, often during onboarding or after seeing them work. The volunteer becomes eligible for any slot requiring that skill from then on.
  • Inline during registration — when a volunteer tries to register for a slot requiring a skill they haven't verified, a coordinator can verify them in the moment as part of approving the registration.

Both leave the same audit record.

What to confirm​

Confirmation isn't a rubber stamp:

  • Trades and certifications — see the license or certificate; record the expiration if relevant
  • Equipment operation — confirm via direct observation or a recognized training program
  • Soft skills — confirm via prior demonstrated work; "they said so" isn't verification

Recording the verification​

Each verification captures:

  • Who verified (the coordinator's identity)
  • When (date)
  • The skill being verified

Notes on the basis for verification (license number, training course completed) belong in the volunteer's profile notes — they're useful when you re-verify down the road.

Removing verification​

If a credential expires, the verifier moved on, or the volunteer should no longer hold that qualification, remove the verification. The history of past verifications is preserved.

Pairing with requirements​

Skills and requirements are different but often paired. A "certified electrician" skill is a verification of capability; a "current OSHA-10 card" requirement is proof of an active certification with an expiration. Use both together for high-stakes slots.