Disaster Services: Recovery Casework Volunteer
Disaster Services: Recovery Casework Volunteer
This position supports the Regional Disaster Cycle Services department. Provide Follow up and Recovery Planning Services, including referrals, for individuals and households following regional events - primarily home fires.
Apply NowLocations
New York County (Manhattan),Westchester County
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct follow-up for clients within 72 hours of case being opened by Disaster Action Team or Caseworker.
- May also conduct Intake and provide Financial Assistance to qualified clients if case was not opened by DAT
- Conduct Follow-up and Recovery Planning Services
- Provide Internal Referrals and External Referrals.
- Assist with problem-solving and advocacy upon request
- Use RC Care to document services according to the Client Care Program Standards and Procedures and RC Care Job Tools.
- Services may be provided in person or virtually.
- Work with community recovery partners to plan for community recovery needs and long-term recovery activities.
May also have a REC/CARE/SA GAP in addition to steady state role.
Qualifications
Willingness to comply with Red Cross COVID-19 policies for in-person volunteer activities.
Preferred qualifications:
- Able to treat clients with care, comfort and concern.
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission of the American Red Cross.
- Demonstrated ability to work well in stressful situations and in a team-oriented setting.
- Demonstrated interest in learning about community resource organizations.
- Treats people equitably and works effectively with diverse populations
- Comfortable with technology
Training
Required:
- Disaster Cycle Services: An Overview
- RC Care: Caseworker Curriculum
- Everyone is Welcome
- Concept of Operations Basics
Recommended:
- Psychological First Aid: Helping Others in Times of Stress
Development Opportunities
Based on skill and interests, become a Recovery Team Leader or get a GAP and deploy nationally
Length of Appointment
Minimum of 6 months to 1 year, renewable. Once trained can remain active as long as training is updated as required by chapter
Time Commitment
Varies depending on specific role:
- Casework onboarding/training program is a four-month program
-First Month (online training classes approx. 12-15 hrs)-Second-Fourth Month is 1 shift/week in the office seven days/week from 9am-2pm for further training and mentorship
- Must make a minimum commitment of 6-months for this role
- After first four months of volunteering-requirement is a minimum of 1-2 shifts/month (5 hr shifts-seven days per week)
- Must have strong computer skills - We utilize Microsoft Teams extensively along with several client-focused, highly functional Red Cross Applications
- College student volunteers are required to make a 6-month commitment to the Casework function. This commitment includes the four-month training period. Starting in the second month, college students will volunteer one (1) 5-hour shift per week.
- Casework onboarding must be done from the Hawthorne Office with virtual training that can be completed from home. Once onboarded volunteers may complete their shift from home and/or in the Hawthorne Office.
- Unlike NYC, caseworkers support those affected by disasters through referrals to community organizations rather than city agencies.
- Shifts vary based on number of cases available.
- Average shifts are approx. 4 hours.
- Caseworkers will need to complete cases which may take several days to complete.
- Minimum of 6-month commitment