Getting Started
The first step in becoming an Emergency Services volunteer
is to complete the chapter volunteer application process.
That process is explained on the main
chapter web page.
Disaster Services Orientation (also known as the Local Operations class). After completing the Chapter intake process, including the background check, volunteers interested in Disaster Services (both Disaster Response and Support Services) are scheduled for an Orientation (available on LMS as Local Operations). At this Orientation, our basic structure and the opportunities available in Disaster Services are explained in detail.
This orientation process will help the chapter and the volunteer determine what type of service will be the best match between the needs of the department and the preferences and abilities of the volunteer.
- Disaster Responders-DSHR Application. Volunteers able to commit to disaster response, either local or national, are defined as Disaster Responders, and will also fill out a DSHR application packet joining the American Red Cross Disaster Services Human Resources system. This application packet is required even if the volunteer is certain he or she will only be responding locally. DSHR qualifications and requirements are explained on the DSHR page.
- Disaster Response Paths . There are essentially two volunteer paths for Disaster Responders: Opportunities Within the Chapter and Opportunities Outside the Chapter (Statewide, regional and national). A volunteer who is interested in responding to disasters but is not able to commit to being available for three weeks of service away from home, would elect to be a local volunteer and would choose those opportunities that will keep them closer to home. (A volunteer who is able to commit to national service may also choose to provide local service. These paths are not mutually exclusive.)
- Support Services. Volunteers not interested or currently not able to commit to the scheduling uncertainties of Disaster Response can still make a signifcant contribution to the success of the Emergency Services mission. Discuss these options during the Local Operations Orientation.
- Groups and Activities. Services provided to Red Cross clients are divided into Groups and Activities, with each having different tasks and training requirements. For example, a computer expert might choose to participate in the Computer Operations activity, assisting in the set-up of a headquarters facility, dealing primarily with other responders, supporting but not directly engaging in service delivery to clients. Learn more about the various Activities during the Local Operations orientaiton.
Placement. At the end of the Local Operations Orientation, the volunteer makes an initial choice of the type of service he or she is interested in and for which he or she is qualified. The activity lead for the volunteers first choice activity will then call or email the volunteer to arrange a discussion of the volunteer’s preferences and abilities. The lead and the volunteer will come to an agreement on work availability and training requirements. At this point to volunteer’s real work with the chapter will begin.
|
|
