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*Disaster Services- Train to Deploy to a Future Local or National Disaster (Without Professional License)

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*Disaster Services- Train to Deploy to a Future Local or National Disaster (Without Professional License)

It's important to ensure we are pre-trained to help when disaster strikes.  Preparedness is key!  The more trained/prepared we are when, for example, a hurricane strikes, the more efficient we are to help those in need. This position indicates you might not be ready to volunteer, but you are ready to train to volunteer for future operations.  Training must be completed within 4 weeks and is self-paced.

Local large-scale disaster operations do not require a long-term commitment, but deploying to a disaster away from home requires 14 consecutive days of availability unless you are licensed in a health specialty (10 day requirement in that case).  Areas to train are for assisting in sheltering, feeding, distribution of supplies, logistics, and other activities that do not require a professional license. 

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Locations

National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Regional

Key Responsibilities

Please do not select this position if you are already a Disaster Cycle Services Volunteer. Please see your direct supervisor for more info.

Responsibilities vary depending on assignment.  Our most common assignment is assisting with Sheltering:

  • May include providing support to one or more of the following areas within the shelter:
    • reception
    • registration
    • dormitory
    • feeding
    • information
    • supply
  • Provide excellent customer service to clients
  • Complete the required virtual self-paced training (3.5 hours of training total)

Length of Appointment

Consecutive 2-week deployment

Time Commitment

  • Once trained, and upon request, this would be for a consecutive 14-day deployment (unless a local operation).
  • The path of a given disaster will determine where Red Cross' precise volunteer needs lie.  Accepting this position means that:
    • you have the interest and ability to travel outside of our region to help with a major disaster.
    • You have 14 consecutive days to do so (unless you wish to stay local only).
    • You are comfortable in-person (masks may be required in certain circumstances)
    • You understand, depending on the disaster, that hardships may apply, such as sleeping in a staff shelter or no electricity. We will use a pre-deployment health questionnaire to determine your ability to safely deploy.
    • Training needs to be completed within 4 weeks.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Willingness to comply with Red Cross COVID-19 policies for in-person volunteer activities.
  • Willing and able to volunteer in person in a disaster shelter before, during and/or after a disaster event.
  • Ability to work in a continuously changing environment in which work priorities may change frequently.
  • Comfortable interacting with people from various diverse background whose lives have been disrupted and many are presenting immediate needs.
  • Comfortable working in a team environment as a frontline worker under the direction of a Supervisor
  • Ability to lift / carry 20 lbs. multiple times per shift.
  • Ability to stand and/or sit for two-hour periods and walk for two miles during a shift.
  • Ability to walk on uneven terrain.
  • Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather, extreme heat and/or humidity and/or extreme cold.
  • Ability to climb two or more flights of stairs.
  • Ability to speak clearly on phone and in person.
  • Ability to work for long periods on computer and/or reading small print and/or writing.
  • Comfortable with basic technology
  • Valid Driver’s License (required for Divisional and National Deployments)
  • Minimum 18 years of age
  • Available to sign up for shifts on consecutive days (shifts may be 4, 8 or 12 hours long)
  • Willing to complete 3.5 hours of virtual self-paced training required for position
  • Ability to read, write, and follow verbal and written instructions in English

Training

See the Disaster Responder Training Requirements document for current training requirements for Shelter Worker Service Associate (MC/SH/SA). Other trainings specific to feeding, logistics, and other areas of interest.

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