Service Area: Disaster Services
Position Summary: DAT Dispatchers provide off-site support to DAT members and specialty Responders during local responses with the goal of mobilizing a team of volunteers to respond within 2 hours and maintaining positive rapport and open lines of communication with fellow DAT members.
Responsibilities:
- Commit to availability during on-call shifts
- Verify fire incidents with local fire departments
- Use DCSOps tool to dispatch DAT members and specialty Responders to local incidents
- Serve as off-site point of contact for DAT Responders and Trainees throughout the response, and ensure fiscal tools (CACs) are loaded.
- Inform Duty Officer of complex or large disasters and mobilize support as needed
- Inform Disaster Public Affairs Responders of incident responses
- Assist DAT Responders with hotel selection and other assistance support as needed during responses
- Represent the American Red Cross by operating within established procedures and guidelines and ensure their observance by team members during responses
- Act in ways consistent with the American Red Cross Mission and Fundamental Principles
- Clearly, appropriately, and professionally communicate with DAT members, paid and volunteer staff, and community partners
- Complete all necessary training courses (see Training Section below) within first year of service
- Regularly attend DAT Dispatch and Disaster monthly/quarterly meetings
Qualifications:
- Reliable access to Internet during on-call hours
- Reliable access to telephone during on-call hours
- Familiarity with policies, regulations, and procedures for local disaster response and services
- Team leadership and organizational skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated initiative and ability to make decisions within established guidelines
- Ability to effectively communicate and delegate tasks in stressful situations
Time Commitment:
- Regular commitment to on-call shifts each month in addition to attendance at local Dispatch and Disaster meetings
Training:
- Approximately 6 hours of online and in-person training prepares general Disaster volunteers
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
- Opportunity to build leadership experience
Contact: Apply online at www.redcross.org/mn
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Volunteer Services at mnrecruit@redcross.org or call 612-871-7676.
