Needs From: Greater Mankato Area United Way

Blood Donations: The Red Cross encourages all eligible blood donors to donate blood. We understand that people have concerns right now about all aspects of public health, but want to stress that donating blood is a safe process and people should not hesitate to give. To find an area blood drive and make an appointment, please visit www.redcrossblood.org. Enter a zip code and you will see drives in your area. We are also in need of organizations or businesses willing to host a drive. 

We also need volunteers to serve as Blood Ambassadors to assist in the running of blood drives.

To Volunteer, contact Volunteer Services at mndakvolunteer@redcross.org or call 612-871-7676 ext 5.

Southwest Chapter Board of Directors
The American Red Cross is a vibrant and vital organization in Southwest Minnesota that seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Our vision is to turn compassion into action so that…
…all people affected by disaster across the country and around the world receive care, shelter and hope;
…our communities are ready and prepared for disasters;
…everyone in our country has access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products;
…all members of our armed services and their families find support and comfort whenever needed; and
…in an emergency, there are always trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.

We are seeking individuals who may be interested in volunteer service as a member of the Southwest Chapter Board of Directors. Interested individuals should have a passion for the Red Cross mission and a willingness to share that passion with others in the community to help develop new partnerships, increase visibility and recruit volunteers and blood donors.

Qualifications
The American Red Cross serving Southwest Minnesota includes the 19 counties of Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, McLeod, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Sibley, Watonwan and Yellow Medicine. Board members should be leaders who are willing to make the most of their connections, skills, expertise and experience as ambassadors and advocates for the Red Cross. The skills and abilities we are most interested in finding/developing are:
• Relationship Builder: Can connect the organization to their personal network.
• Community Connector: Can connect the organization to community leaders.
• Story Teller: Can help tell the organization’s story at events and one-on-one.
• Door Opener/Asker: Can help ask for funds or open doors to potential funders.
• Visibility Builder: Can help reach the community through media, blogs and/or other information sharing forums.
• Motivator: Can help encourage and mentor fellow volunteers.

Additional Information 
The board holds six regular meetings each year and an Annual Meeting in June. Regular meetings last 60-75 minutes and take place every other month on the fourth Wednesday beginning at 12:15 p.m. Board members are asked to serve on at least one committee and participate in visibility enhancement activities. Board members are also asked to make a personal financial contribution of $1,000 annually, which may include an employer matching gift, may be a Red Cross event sponsorship and is payable over the entire fiscal year (July 1-June 30). Terms are three years and may be renewed twice, for a total of nine consecutive years on the board.

If you would like more information, please contact Executive Director Leah Pockrandt at leah.pockrandt@redcross.org or 507-360-2052.

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.

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.

SERVICE AREA: Disaster Services         

POSITION SUMMARY: Assist the Red Cross in carrying out its mission by using professional expertise to provide for the psychosocial needs of disaster victims and disaster responders within the context of American Red Cross procedures.   

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Act in ways consistent with Red Cross Mission and Fundamental Principles When scheduled on-call, respond promptly to requests for assistance Provide appropriate level of support and intervention to disaster victims and responders as described in the “Foundations of Disaster Mental Health Guidelines” Participate in regular meetings and on-going training for the Twin Cities Area mental health team Participate in a rotating on-call schedule Participate in large-scale disaster response as needed Complete all required documentation of service promptly

QUALIFICATIONS:

Current and active license or certification in mental health discipline: social work, psychiatry, psychology, counseling, psychiatric nursing, marriage and family therapy – including the following: A. Independent license and master’s degree as a clinical social worker, psychologist, professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, psychiatric nurse, or psychiatrist OR State license or state certification and master’s degree as a school psychologist or school counselor issued by a state board of education OR State license and a bachelor’s degree as a registered nurse AND American Nurses Credentialing Center certification for psychiatric and mental health nursing to include RN-BC or PMHNP-BC or PMHCNS-BC. Reliable cell phone and transportation during on-call hours Willingness to work under adverse conditions Ability to assess and triage an individual’s emotional, behavioral, and psychological reactions Ability to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles

BENEFITS:

Opportunity to provide important mental health assistance to victims of disaster Multitude of training opportunities on disaster response Become part of a dynamic and committed cadre of Red Cross volunteers Gain valuable field experience in social work, human services and disaster response 

REQUIRED TRAINING:

Training must be completed within first year of volunteering, including the following courses:

Disaster Cycle Services: An Overview (required) Disaster Mental Health: Introduction (required) Disaster Mental Health Fundamentals: Part 1 and Part 2 (required).

 

RESPONSIBLE TO: Disaster Mental Health Lead under direction of the Client Services Manager

LOCATION: Provide consultation from home or office or on-site at disaster locations 

TIME COMMITMENT:      Varies depending on Regional projects and priorities

                                    Attend regular meetings and training sessions.

                                    Minimum of 1 year commitment expected.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

SERVICE AREA: Disaster Services          

POSITION SUMMARY:  Assist Red Cross in carrying out mission to provide relief to victims of disaster and help prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters. Use professional expertise to provide for the medical needs of disaster victims within the context of American Red Cross procedures.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Act in ways consistent with Red Cross Mission and Fundamental Principles Address the disaster related health needs and medical losses of clients over the phone or in person Immediately refer critical illness or injury to a higher level of care Provide first aid and healthcare within your scope of practice Replace lost medical items in accordance with the standardized price list Complete all paperwork and reports in a professional and timely manner Collaborate with Disaster Action Team, Disaster Mental Health Team, Disaster Welfare Inquiry Team/ Disaster Integrated Care Teams, paid staff, and community partners to ensure clients’ needs are served to the best of ARC’s ability. Attend Health Services team meetings on a regular basis

QUALIFICATIONS:

Health professional with a current, active, unencumbered license or certificate. Current CPR and First Aid Certification Familiarity with American Red Cross policies, regulations, and procedures for both local and national response. Ability to assess and triage life threatening health emergencies, and provide emergency assistance for minor illnesses and injuries. Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to maintain confidentiality Ability to work evenings, weekends, and a varied on-call schedule Cell phone and transportation needed Willing to work in adverse conditions 

BENEFITS:

Opportunity to provide important health assistance to victims of disaster Multitude of training opportunities on disaster response Become part of a dynamic and committed cadre of Red Cross volunteers Gain valuable field experience in disaster response health care

 

TRAINING: Approximately 15 hours of training required within first year of volunteering

RESPONSIBLE TO: Disaster Health Services Co-Leads under the direction of a Disaster Staff Liaison

LOCATION: On-site disaster locations throughout the chapter 

TIME COMMITMENT: Shifts vary. Attend scheduled meetings, trainings, and exercises.

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.