Want to Work With Us? Please Read:
Membership to O.P.I.N. is free.
What are we looking for?
- We are looking for individuals who are interested in investigating claims of ghosts, hauntings, poltergeists, those who feel they have "psychic" or "sensitive" abilities as well as those interested in the scientific or research avenues within this field. With investigating we hope to advance knowledge of the subject by utilizing the scientific method with the overall case, attempt to validate the use of detection devices (we're not sold that the famous ones even have a purpose in our field), improve methods of detection and investigation as well as educate the general public on the reality of what may be happening to them and what goes on in our field.
- We are looking for local members (I am located in Twinsburg, OH, just south east of Cleveland, we regularly meet in Macedonia, Ohio) who are hopefully within a 30 mile radius to assist in investigations and studies. This is essential to meeting with the group periodically as well as when we meet spontaneously for an investigation meeting. We rarely make exceptions.
- It is available to those with an open mind, not merely open to the paranormal, but for a willingness to accept new ideas (sometimes outside the boundary of your personal belief system) as well as using logic and realistic reasoning while problem solving. It is also important to have great people skills, as the major part of investigating is the interview process and educating the public.
- We are looking for leaders as well as self starters. We depend on each person as being part of the group and our success depends fully on the input and effort of everyone who is a part of that group.
What does O.P.I.N. provide a potential investigator?
We provide you the ability to join an open minded group that has been in operation since late 1996, long before the television shows began to have an effect on how investigations are conducted. We provide monthly in-person meetings with most, if not all, investigators to discuss our current cases, group information and whatever else is on the minds of the investigators.
We also provide:
- Training. I have put together a training handbook built from years of knowledge and input that is available to the members at minimal cost. The handbook is required reading for all investigators. It is also available for debate and update by all members involved with O.P.I.N. Our training also continues with our on site experiences with investigations. Most of our members are already experienced in paranormal investigation or other aspects of specific fields that pertain to interviewing (Parapsychology, Psychology, Counseling, etc.) or investigation (electronics, home construction, etc.).
- The ability to work in a diverse environment. We pride ourselves in having a diverse membership of backgrounds to approaches and thought so that we can cover a multitude of potential angles associated with various cases. This diversity will add quickly to your training in how to approach the diverse number of types of cases.
- A private online community for investigators only. This is a place where we share our knowledge and information with one another as well as meet for chat sessions.
- We provide case work assembled from clients who are in need of guidance or assistance through their experiences. We are not involved in abandoned buildings, cemeteries, prisons or other locations that do not have current witnesses to paranormal experiences or that are thought to be haunted due to stories that are unsubstantiated (except for training or to provide backup to the findings of another group). We also encourage members to be involved in finding case work as well. The more noses on the path the more ground that is covered!
- The chance to be involved with public education. We occasionally get involved with local groups or community functions to provide information and knowledge about our field and the various aspects associated with it. Sometimes the best way to learn is to teach.
What do we expect?
All members must:- Be 21 years of age to become a member.
- Have a valid driver's license (a relatively clean record) as well as have use of a car.
- Pay their own transportation and incidental expenses (equipment, training, etc.)
- Must have a computer in which they can utilize daily for communication or research, must have internet access and be computer literate.
- Have a cell phone for communication (shared phone does not count).
- Be dependable and reliable, including regular communication.
- Be able to assist in investigations during the week or weekends on evenings (do not have to available every night, but available).
- Possess the ability to maintain a professional, positive, and team-oriented attitude in which you contribute toward the growth, development, and success of the team.
- Have the ability to think for yourself, and must possess a balanced open-mind and approach investigations with no pre-conceived notions.
- Be willing and able to attend and contribute to team meetings and investigations on a consistent basis (not necessarily every meeting or investigation, but consistent communication as to your ability to do so).
What positions are available?
Positions available are as follows; Assistant Director, Case Manager, Research Manager, Investigator, Psychic/Sensitive/Intuitive/Medium, Team Documentarian, and we are also looking to groom another Lead Investigator so that we can operate more efficiently in diverse teams. We prefer those with experience in specific areas of interest which will add to our team of knowledge (electronics, Parapsychology, Psychology, counseling, private investigator, etc.) as well as those who have worked with other groups, but we are willing and able to train or provide you with resources for training. We do not employ the "Investigator in training" position as all of us (including myself) are continuously learning. Instead, we will provide training and additional resources and will promote you when we (you and I) feel you are ready. If you have questions about these positions please let me know and I will gladly outline the expectations and requirements for each position.
How do I become a member?
- All potential members are required to fill out our membership application (see link below). Please print and fill out this application and bring it with you to your first meeting with the Director.
Membership Application - Fill out the O.P.I.N. Contact form below and let us know that you are interested. A short meeting or interview (phone or in person), or invitation to our monthly meetings will usually follow the application prior to applicant becoming a probationary member. Remember, you must bring your completed application to your first meeting with the Director.
- All potential members will be submitted to a 90 day probationary period (subject to the Director). This is to give you sufficient time to learn the basics as well as learn to work with the team and its approach. Members may or may not be invited to investigations during this time as it depends on past experience and other qualifications the potential member brings to the table. Potential members may be waived this period in full or part at the discretion of the Director. At or around 90 days the potential member will receive a review based upon their individual goals and expectations and will then be determined their status within the team.
- Once accepted as a member you will be given a title and responsibilities. A handbook is required reading material ($5.50 and available to you prior to being a full member to help in your education) and other books on paranormal investigation or certification classes are recommended. We recommend ParaNexus as a training resource. Brian, the Director of O.P.I.N., is the Regional Director for ParaNexus for the state of Ohio. I suggest reading at least one book from the list under "Paranormal Investigation" from our list of Suggested Paranormal Books. I highly recommend those by Loyd Auerbach, or of course, the two that I have written, which are based off of our Handbook and training for our investigators.
Be sure to check you spam or bulk folder if you do not hear from us within 48 hours.
All individuals will be considered for membership regardless of age, religious beliefs, nationality, gender, and/or financial standing provided that they are serious about anomalous research, are dependable, able to perform investigations, and contribute to the growth and development of the team as well as the field. We look for potential members who would do this anyway on their own without team membership.