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.

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Locations

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:

This position is fully in-person at the NYC Office
 
 Adult Volunteers (21+):
  1. 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
  2. Must make a minimum commitment of 6-months for this role
  3. After first four months of volunteering-requirement is a minimum of 1-2 shifts/month (5 hr shifts-seven days per week)
  4. 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 in Westchester County (MNYN) as of 2023
 
  • 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 

 

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