Disaster Relief Shelter Volunteer

The Shelter Service Associate is a temporary position assigned to work in person in a Red Cross shelter before, during and/or after a disaster event this hurricane/wildfire season. Shelter Service Associates complete tasks necessary for shelter operations and provide assistance for disaster clients. Shelter Service Associates support the day-to-day activities within a shelter which may include working in reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information, or other areas within a shelter

Responsibilities

• Embodying the fundamental principles of the American Red Cross in their work with clients, disaster responders and partners
• Providing excellent client service and support the daily maintenance of the shelter operation at the direction of the assigned Shelter Supervisor
• Using the Shift Tool during the disaster event to report availability and schedule shelter shifts
• Completing the required virtual self-paced training (3 hours of training total)

Time Commitment

Local: Minimum of 5 days working 4-, 6- or 12-hour shifts

Beyond region: MINIMUM OF ``14 DAY WORKING 8-12 HOUR SHIFTS WHILE DEPLOYED DURING DISASTER

• **The Red Cross will cover travel, lodging and meals while volunteer is deployed during disaster relief efforts***

Required for those available for 14 days beyond their region only. Travel may be outside of home state.

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to build appropriate and effective relationships with co-workers and shelter residents.
• Ability to support and correct performance, manage conflict and ask for help early on so that workflow and service delivery does not impact shelter residents or the shelter community.
• Demonstrates clear, concise, and effective written and verbal communication.
• Lift / carry 20 lbs. multiple times/shift.
• Stand and or sit for two-hour periods and walk for two miles during a shift.
• Walk on uneven terrain.
• Work outdoors in inclement weather, extreme heat and/or humidity and/or extreme cold.
• Climb two or more flights of stairs.
• Speak clearly on phone and in person.
• Work for long periods on computer and/or reading small print and/or writing.
• Drive in daytime and at night
• Minimum 18 years of age
• Availability to sign up for shifts on consecutive days (shifts may be 4, 8 or 12 hours long)
• Willing to complete 3 hours of virtual self-paced training required for position

Watch our video to learn more: Disaster Cycle Service Volunteer