Volunteer Opportunities

Key Responsibilities

DAT/SP-specific Responsibilities: 

• Works as part of an assigned team to respond to local disasters within established timelines defined in the Disaster Action Team Program Standards & Procedures. 
• Maintains regular communication with Duty Officer and other members of the team while assigned to an event to ensure continuity and safety. 
• Provides care, comfort, and compassion to clients (in accordance with Red Cross standards and procedures). 
• Works with on-scene DAT SV/MN to assess whether additional resources/support are required and communicates those needs to DAT Leadership. 
• Completes second responder confirmations in RC Care, the client case management system. 
• Attends regularly scheduled team/DAT meetings as required by Chapter/Region. 
• Maintains RC Care Intake Trainee user access. 

General Responsibilities for all Specialists: 

• Ensure that work is carried out in alignment with our fundamental principles and within established guidelines. 
• Maintain flexibility in a continuously changing environment in which work priorities may change frequently. 
• Collaborate effectively with others in a disaster environment. 
• Efficiently handle time sensitive issues that may arise in area of responsibility. 
• Report the status of assigned responsibilities and tasks as directed. 
• Work independently while following the direction of the direct supervisor. 

Qualifications

DAT/SP-specific Qualifications (required): 

• Comfortable using and learning new technology. 
• Reliable access to a cell phone (with ability to receive text messages), laptop or computer. 
• Be available to respond reliably to local disasters during assigned shifts in RC Respond, the DAT scheduling system, and communicate scheduling conflicts with DAT Leadership. 
• Must sign up for the minimum number of required shifts per month as determined by the region. 
• Able to follow Red Cross DAT and other related standards and procedures. 
• Commitment to use and maintain user access to RC Care and RC Respond systems as needed. 
• Able to work in challenging and stressful conditions such as poor air quality, uneven ground, adverse weather, etc. 
• Must be 18 years or older. 
• Must have a valid driver's license and/or a timely, reliable way to get to a disaster scene. 

General Qualifications for all Specialists (required): 

• Comfortable working independently and within a team. 
• Ability to work with a broad variety of people with diverse backgrounds.  
• Ability to have good organizational and time management skills.   
• Ability to listen actively and work well with others. 
• Ability to function in a dynamic and stressful environment. 
• Ability to appropriately involve others in managing problems and conflict.   
• Ability to acquire, evaluate, and report information accurately. 
• Willingness to comply with current public health and Red Cross policies. 
• Refer to the Physical Capacity Grid for physical and emotional requirements.

Training

See the Disaster Responder Training Requirements  for current training requirements.