Disaster Mental Health Service Associate

The role of the Disaster Mental Health Service Associate (SA) or Worker is to serve as a member of a temporary work unit on a disaster relief operation to provide disaster mental health support to individuals and families who have been impacted by a disaster. This opportunity requires participation in in-person activities and/or performing work in a Red Cross facility.

Responsibilities:

• Support the emotional health of individuals, families, communities and Red Cross workers through the use of disaster mental health interventions.
• Assist in developing partnerships with local mental health agencies.
• Facilitate long-term recovery for clients by providing disaster mental health support and connection to local resources.
• Be available to provide disaster mental health support to staff as necessary.

Qualifications:

Certifications:

• CURRENTLY LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS: At minimum, holds a Master’s Degree in one of the mental health professions listed below; and holds a current, unencumbered license from, or is registered with, any U.S. state or territory as a social worker, psychologist, professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, or psychiatrist (any level license/registration, including non-clinical licenses such as Licensed Masters Social Worker or LMSW)
• CURRENT SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS AND SCHOOL COUNSELORS: At minimum, holds a master’s degree in school psychology or school counseling; and holds a current, unencumbered license or certification as a school psychologist or school counselor issued by an appropriate state board.
• CURRENT PSYCHIATRIC NURSES: Have a state license as a registered nurse; and have a minimum of two years of experience working in a psychiatric setting, verified by a letter from a current or previous employer.
• RETIRED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS: Meet the above educational criteria for specified profession; and Held a license (any level license) from any U.S. state or territory as a social worker, psychologist, professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, psychiatric nurse or psychiatrist, or a certificate as a school psychologist or school counselor, within the five years* prior to on-boarding as a Disaster Mental Health worker; and Maintained a license or certification in good standing upon retirement and without any disciplinary action taken by the issuing U.S. state or territory licensing or certification board.

Requirements:

• Willingness to comply with Red Cross COVID-19 policies for in-person volunteer activities.
• Good organizational skills, responsible and punctual.
• Demonstrated active listening skills.
• Demonstrated ability to implement Standards and Procedures and follow associated job tools including reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with community members in a clear compassionate manner.
• Demonstrated ability to involve appropriate others in managing problems and conflict.
• Ability to acquire, evaluate and report information accurately.
• Demonstrated ability to provide interfaith support while respecting the principles of neutrality and impartiality.
• Customer Focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Values Differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift/carry 30 lbs. multiple times per shift.
• Ability to stand and/or site for 2-hour periods.
• Ability to walk on uneven terrain and/or walk for two miles per shift.
• Ability to bend or stoop multiple times per shift.
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather.
• Ability to spend hours writing, speak clearly on phone, read small print for extended periods and work for long periods on computer.
• Climb two or more flights of stairs.
• Drive in daytime and evening.