Red Cross Mission Statement
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
Service Area: Disaster Services
Position Summary:DAT Trainees, under the direction of a DAT Responder, respond to local disasters, most often house or apartment fires. DAT Trainees focus on learning the role of a DAT Responder through basic curriculum and on-the-ground experience with the goal of providing effective service to clients and eventual promotion to the DAT Responder role.
Responsibilities:
- Commit to availability during on-call shifts
- Promptly respond to local disasters while on shifts
- Collaborate with DAT Responder on-scene and DAT Dispatcher on phone
- Become familiar with the policies, regulations, and procedures for local disaster response and services
- Provide disaster services to clients including comfort kits, casework, and service delivery
- Accurately and thoroughly complete field paperwork during responses
- Communicate in a timely manner with Recovery staff following responses
- Represent the American Red Cross by operating within established procedures and guidelines
- Act in ways consistent with the American Red Cross Mission and Fundamental Principles
- Clearly, appropriately, and professionally communicate with DAT members, clients, paid and volunteer staff, and community partners
- Complete all necessary training courses (see Training section below) within first year of service
- Regularly attend Disaster monthly/quarterly meetings
Qualifications:
- 18 years of age or older
- Access to reliable vehicle (mileage is not reimbursed) transportation
- Access to reliable cell phone
- Ability to work under adverse conditions
- Ability to record information clearly, accurately, and thoroughly
- Ability to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds
Time Commitment:
- Four 12-hour on-call shifts each month
- At least one Disaster meeting, exercise, training, or preparedness activity each quarter to remain engaged and abreast of changes
Training:
- Approximately 6 hours of online and in-person training prepares DAT Trainees to respond in the field:
- Disaster Services: An Overview (1 hr online and 2 hrs in classroom or 3 hrs in classroom)
- Disaster Action Team Orientation (1 hr online and 2 hrs in classroom)
- Approximately 20 additional hours of online and in-person training prepares DAT Trainees to be promoted to DAT Responders:
- Basic Food Safety (1 hr online)
- Casework for DATs (2 hr classroom)
- Disaster Assessment Fundamentals (1 hr online)
- Psychological First Aid (4 hrs classroom)
- Shelter Fundamentals (2.5 hrs online or 4 hrs classroom
Benefits:
- Opportunity to serve community as a resource for victims of disasters
- On-going training opportunities
- Be part of a dynamic and committed corps of outstanding Red Cross volunteers
- Gain experience in social work, human services, disaster response, and emergency management
- Reduced fees on American Red Cross First Aid & CPR classes for active volunteers
Supported By: Disaster Program Manager
Location: Various sites in Southwest Minnesota
Contact: Apply online at www.redcross.org/mn/volunteer
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Volunteer Services at mnrecruit@redcross.org or call 612-871-7676.
