Volunteer Position Description

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Opportunity Details
Position Title
Placement Type
Purpose
Appointed by
Reports To /
Partners With
FOCIS Category
Opportunity
Location
Maximum No.
of Positions

NYC Disaster Responder

Disaster Responder
Disaster Responders ensure comprehensive emergency assistance is provided to
those affected by everyday disasters within New York City.
Diego Pardo
Volunteer reports directly to assigned Response Manager (Volunteer Manager), but
also may work closely with other Response Managers who may be on duty during
any given shift.
Disaster Services
New York City
250 for FY 15

Opportunity Description
Key
Responsibilities

Time
Commitment

This is a highly-rewarding, entry-level position with a well-defined volunteer

career path. Volunteers are full supported with training and mentorship allowing
them to work towards levels of leadership.
Volunteers are dispatched from Manhattan chapter headquarters into any
borough where emergency assistance is needed using Red Cross vehicles.
Once on the scene will assess and report the level of response
Conduct damage assessments of affected dwellings to determine
habitability
Accurately collect client information via laptops or iPads while on the scene
and enter that information into internal Red Cross databases
When necessary, issue limited financial assistance through Client Assistance
Cards
When necessary transport disaster clients from disaster sites to temporary
relocation sites
Serve as field contact to other Red Cross departments, governmental
agencies and organizations
Once fully trained and mentored volunteer will have the option to become
an Authorized Driver to respond to an incident independently and will have
the option to train and mentor new volunteers
Flexible. Mimimum of two 8-hour shifts per month. This opportunity benefits from
more shifts during training periods. Shift times vary but are available Monday
through Sunday. As of August 2014, these are the currently available shifts:
6:00AM - 2:00PM, 9:00AM - 5:00PM, 12:00PM - 8:00PM, 2:00PM - 10:00PM, 5:00PM

Qualifications

Training

Relationships
Length of
Appointment
Development
Opportunities

- 1:00AM, 10:00PM - 6:00AM

Valid drivers license preferred as well as familiarity with NYS traffic laws
Comfortable driving vehicles of varying sizes (station wagons, mini-vans, etc.)
Flexible to potentially quick changing needs and responsibilities in the field
Comfortable climbing stairs, working in a potentially dark, smoky and/or
damp environment
Ability to lift up to 40lbs of disaster relief supplies
Work well in a team environment, independently, and in a leadership
hierarchy
Comfortable with technology, Microsoft Office applications and basic data
entry
Strong communication (written & verbal), interpersonal and organizational
skills
Problem solving and active listening skills
English fluency; Multi-lingual a plus!
Strong customer service skills
Cultural sensitivity and ability to maintain client confidentiality
Orientation to the American Red Cross
Disaster Services: An Overview (Classroom or Online)
Volunteers will be briefed on internal databases such as "DCSOps" (an
indicent management system) and "CAS 2.0" (a client assistance system).
This position provides a well-crafted career path that carefully guides you
through various training sessions and 4 Levels, Beginner to Advanced. Each
level contains easy-to-complete modules.
Works closely with fellow responders, trainees, Response Managers, Disaster Cycle
Services and Public Affairs.
Minimum of 6 months to 1 year, renewable. Once trained can remain active as long
as training is updated as required by chapter
Ability to work with and learn from various other disaster activities such as
Logistics, Mass Care, and Client Casework.
Full support and mentorship are given by various senior level employee and
volunteer responders. Evaluations provided after completion of training
modules.
Leadership opportunities within the Disaster Cycle Services structure
Opportunities to leverage your leadership and mentoring skills to formally
train and mentor new Response Volunteers once fully trained and
"Responder Level 4" milestone has been achieved

Volunteer Acknowledgement
I understand the responsibilities and qualifications of this position, and agree to fulfill them
to the best of my ability.
Name
Signature
Date