American Red Cross - South Texas Chapter

Volunteer Career Development Guide

Step 1: Develop a Volunteer Career Path
We will help you define your area(s) of interest then show you what training and experience is required to make your goals a reality. We will also discuss a variety of chapter and beyond-the-chapter opportunities with you.)

Step 2: Enroll in the Courses You Need
(We keep track of the courses that are scheduled. We can also enroll you in the course(s) you need to begin your career development.)

To Join the National Disaster Team…DSHR System
(You should have already worked with your local Service Center Coordinator to develop a career path and completed all basic disaster courses for at least one function before making an appointment with Sasha.)

Training courses are the same regardless of whether your taking local opportunities or have intentions of joining the national disaster team. Below are requirements for Technician (entry level) in each disaster response function. There are additional general requirements for admission to the national disaster team. Those requirements are included following this listing.

Accounting
Required: Records and Reports - I
Recommended: Serving the Diverse Community
Additionally Required for National Disaster Team:

Accurately perform basic accounting tasks, including debits, credits, and basic auditing.
Proficiently operate a ten-key calculator.
Exhibit good organizational skills.
Be flexible, adaptable to change, and accept direction, as required, in varied work settings, weather conditions, cultures, and geography.

Administration
Required: Administering a Small Disaster Operation (ASDO)
                Service Center Manger
                Family Service: Providing Emergency Assistance
                Mass Care - I
                Serving the Diverse Community
Recommended: Damage Assessment - I
                        Disaster Health Services: Overview
                        Emergency Operations Center
Additionally Required for National Disaster Team:

Ranked and services as a specialist in another function on at least one Level IV or V relief operation or Chapter Disaster Services supervisor or chapter manager for at least one year.
Assist the manager in the supervision of staff
Accurately explain the Red Cross Disaster Services Program
Provide support to staff assigned to the site.
Develop and support spontaneous volunteers and affected chapter paid and volunteer staff to build capacity.
Implement and support Disaster Services regulations and procedures.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Be flexible, adaptable to change, and accept directions, as required, in varied work settings, weather conditions, cultures, and geography.

Communications
Required: Serving the Diverse Community
Recommended: None
Additionally Required for National Disaster Team:

Install, program, and operate two-way radios, satellite, cellular, paging, and fax equipment for disaster relief operations.
Install telephone lines, jacks, instruments, PBXs, TDD, etc.
Be familiar with, and have operated, Red Cross communication equipment (47.42 MHz)
Provide equipment resource management using Non-expendable Inventory Sheet (ARC 4611C) or the equivalent.
Maintain equipment records, both hard copy and computer database.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing
Red and be familiar with Communications, ARC 3058.
Be flexible, adaptable to change, and accept direction, as required, in varied work settings, weather conditions, cultures, and geography.

Damage Assessment
Required: Damage Assessment - I
Recommended: Serving the Diverse Community
Family Services: Providing Emergency Assistance
Public Affairs - I
Additionally Required for National Disaster Team:

Local experience with disaster response to include completing damage surveys or experience in the Damage Assessment function on local disaster responses, accurately completing F5739 and F6758.
Complete the On-Site Detailed Damage Assessment Worksheet (F5739) in field settings, accurately documenting damage information by dwelling type and damage classification.
Acquire, read, understand, and interpret various types of maps.
Communicate damage and impact information via phone, radio, or other means.
Gather required information with minimal supervision or direction.
Understand the basic responsibilities of the Disaster Services functions.
Exhibit basic computer operation skills.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Be flexible, adaptable to change, and accept direction, as required, in varied work settings, weather conditions, cultures, and geography.

Disaster Computer Operations
Required: None
Recommended: Serving the Diverse Community
Additionally Required for National Disaster Team:

Accept direction from function supervisor.
Thorough knowledge of computer hardware.
Working knowledge of Windows '95, the Microsoft Office Suite '97, and other Red Cross standard software.
Understanding of, and ability to work within Red Cross policies, regulations, and procedures.

Disaster Health Services
Required: Disaster Health Services: Overview
                Family Services: Providing Emergency Assistance
                Mass Care - I
                Current Red Cross CPR
Recommended: Serving the Diverse Community
Shelter Operations
Disaster Health Services: Simulation
Additionally Required for National Disaster Team:

Any combination of level I or II relief operations and/or DAT experience to include interviewing and completing Form 901.
Possess a current and active license or certificate per ARC30-3042.
Complete client case interviews using forms 901, 1475, and 5854A.
Accurately document conversations and observations per ARC 30-3042.
Identify needs and match with appropriate community and Red Cross resources.
Provide referrals and complete follow-up with staff, clients, and community agencies.
Listen and respond empathetically.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Be flexible, adaptable to change, and accept direction, as required, in varied work settings, weather conditions, cultures, and geography.

Disaster Mental Health Services
Required: Disaster Mental Health Services - I
Recommended: Serving the Diverse Community
Mass Care - I
Shelter Operations
Additionally Required for National Disaster Team:

Participate in the chapter DMHS program.
Professional experience with crisis intervention and stress management techniques.
Current and active mental health license or certificate per ARC 3043.
Demonstrated ability to work within the DMHS Intervention Standards.
Understand the role, scope, and limitations of the DMHS function.
Be flexible, adaptable to change, and accept direction, as required, in varied work settings, weather conditions, cultures, and geography.

Disaster Welfare Inquiry (Now called Family Well-Being Inquiry)
Required:      Disaster Welfare Inquiry - I
                    Disaster Welfare Inquiry Simulation
Recommended: Serving the Diverse Community
                        Shelter Operations
                        Art of Helping
                        Achieving Extraordinary Customer Relations
Additionally Required for National Disaster Team:

General work experience providing familiarity with basic computer operations, data entry, interviewing, and customer service.
Research and complete concise, accurate, and legible case documentation.
Knowledge and understanding of ARC 3044 and ARC 3044D.
Knowledge of direct services and Damage Assessment functions.
Knowledge of the Red Cross forms used for DWI and the information required for the forms.
Basic computer knowledge and typing proficiency.
Exhibit good telephone etiquette and interviewing skills.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Be flexible, adaptable to change, and accept direction, as required, in varied work settings, weather conditions, cultures, and geography.

Family Services (Emergency Assistance Track)
Required: Family Services: Providing Emergency Assistance
Recommended: Serving the Diverse Community
Additionally Required for National Disaster Team:

Any combination of Level I or II relief operation Family Services experiences to include at least 5 interviews from case initiation to case closing.
Complete case interviews with form 901 in office and field settings.
Appropriately use the Standardized Emergency Assistance Price List (ARC 4416).
Accurately document conversations and observations per ARC 3045.
Identify needs and match needs with appropriate community and Red Cross resources.
Appropriately write Disbursing Orders (140C/140N) for Class 2-6 items.
Provide referrals and complete follow-up with clients and community agencies.
Listen empathetically.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Be flexible, adaptable to change, and accept direction, as required, in varied work settings, weather conditions, cultures, and geography.

Fundraising
Required: Disaster Fundraising: Principles and Methods
Recommended: Serving the Diverse Community
Additionally Required for National Disaster Team:

General knowledge of fund raising, marketing, and public affairs.
Strong interpersonal skills.

Liaison - Chapter
Required: Liaison - I: Conducting a Community Collaborative
Recommended: Serving the Diverse Community
Additionally Required for National Disaster Team:

Experience in any function of the local unit's disaster services activities.
Effectively solve problems.
Promote, develop, and maintain productive and amicable working relationships with diverse individuals, local units, chapter management, and relief operation leadership.
Complete assigned tasks within specified time frames.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Be flexible, adaptable to change, and accept direction, as required, in varied work settings, weather conditions, cultures, and geography.

Liaison - Government
Required: Liaison - I: Conducting a Community Collaborative
                Emergency Operations Center
                Mass Care - I
                Damage Assessment - I
Family Services:    Providing Emergency Assistance
                            Recommended: Serving the Diverse Community
                            Public Affairs - I
Additionally Required for National Disaster Team:

Experience in any function of the local unit's disaster service response.
Experience with local, state, or federal government emergency preparedness organizations.
EOC exposure or experience at the local level.
Effectively solve problems.
Promote, develop and maintain productive and amicable working relationships with diverse individuals, groups, and units, including peers and supervisors.
Complete tasks within specified time frames.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Be flexible, adaptable to change, and accept direction, as required, in varied work settings, weather conditions, cultures, and geography.

Liaison - Human Relations
Required: Serving the Diverse Community
Liaison - I: Conducting a Community Collaborative
Recommended: None
Additionally Required for National Disaster Team:

Experience in the local unit's disaster services response.
Community outreach experience.
Familiarity with organizations representing diverse constituencies, e.g., cultural, ethnic, gender, persons with disabilities, senior citizens
Effectively solve problems.
Promote, develop, and maintain working relationships with the staff of other functions.
Listen empathetically.
Be sensitive in human interactions to diversity and inclusiveness.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Be flexible, adaptable to change, and accept direction, as required, in varied work settings, weather conditions, cultures, and geography.

Liaison - Labor
Required: Liaison - I: Conducting a Community Collaborative
Recommended: Serving the Diverse Community
Additionally Required for National Disaster Team:

Experience in any function of the local unit's disaster services program.
Union membership.
Community outreach experience.
Familiarity with labor organization at the local, state, and national level.
Effectively solve problems.
Promote, develop, and maintain working relationships with the staff of other functions.
Listen empathetically.
Knowledge of or experience with labor groups and agreements.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Be flexible, adaptable to change, and accept direction, as required, in varied work settings, weather conditions, cultures, and geography.

Liaison - Voluntary Agencies
Required: Liaison - I: Conducting a Community Collaborative
Recommended: Serving the Diverse Community
Additionally Required for National Disaster Team:

Experience in any function of the local unit's disaster services response program.
Community outreach experience.
Familiarity with other voluntary organizations at the local, state, or national level.
Effectively solve problems.
Promote, develop, and maintain working relationships with other functions.
Represent Red Cross to community groups.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Be flexible, adaptable to change, and accept direction, as required, in varied work settings, weather conditions, cultures, and geography.

Local Disaster Volunteers
Required:      Human Resource in Disaster
                    Recommended: Serving the Diverse Community
Family Services:    Providing Emergency Assistance
                            Mass Care - I
                            Disaster Health Services: Overview
                            Damage Assessment - I
Additionally Required for National Disaster Team:

Participation in the local unit's disaster response.
Research information in ARC 30-3054.
Organize a basic filing system.
Work well with people.
Exhibit basic computer skills.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Be flexible, adaptable to change, and accept direction, as required, in varied work settings, weather conditions, cultures, and geography.

Logistics - (Generalist Track)
Required: Logistics: An Overview
Recommended: Serving the Diverse Community
Additionally Required for National Disaster Team:

Work as a good team member.
Be flexible, adaptable to change, and accept direction, as required, in varied work settings, weather conditions, cultures, and geography.

Mass Care - (Generalist Track)
Required:              Mass Care - I
                          Shelter Operations
Recommended:    Serving the Diverse Community
                          Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) Training
                          Shelter Simulation
Additionally Required for National Disaster Team:

Three experiences participating in any type of local disaster response or drills.
Represent the organization during service delivery.
Exhibit a general understanding of the Red Cross disaster relief operation structure.
Be flexible, adaptable to change, and accept direction, as required, in varied work settings, weather conditions, cultures, and geography.

Public Affairs
Required: Public Affairs - I
Recommended: Serving the Diverse Community
Additionally Required for National Disaster Team:

Public affairs/public relations involvement with local Red Cross chapter or as a PR/media professional.
Independently operation Microsoft Word software, fax machines, cell phones, and pagers.
Knowledge of the American Red Cross Disaster Services program.
Be flexible, adaptable to change, and accept direction, as required, in varied work settings, weather conditions, cultures, and geography.

Records and Reports
Required: Records and Reports - I
Family Service: Providing Emergency Assistance
Recommended: Serving the Diverse Community
Additionally Required for National Disaster Team:

Apply regulations and procedures in Records and Reports, ARC 3048
Perform basic R&R duties such as receiving, editing, processing, and maintaining form 901 and associated forms; receive, issue, edit, and process disbursing orders (DOs); and maintain the master case file and blank copies of DOs.
Implement requests and follow direction received from supervisors.
Maintain confidentiality of client information at all times.
Appropriately seek guidance from your supervisor.
Maintain a professional appearance and attitude.
Be flexible, adaptable to change, and accept direction, as required, in varied work settings, weather conditions, cultures, and geography.

Staffing
Required: Human Resources in Disaster
Recommended: Serving the Diverse Community
Additionally Required for National Disaster Team:

Participation in local unit's response.
Display commitment of the values and mission of the organization and those of Disaster Services.
Research information in the ARC 30-3053.
Exhibit good interpersonal skills.
Exhibit basic computer skills.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Be flexible, adaptable to change, and accept direction, as required, in varied work settings, weather conditions, cultures, and geography.

Training
Required: Disaster Instructor Specialty Training (or Health & Safety Instructor training and Disaster Services cross-training per ARC 3022.)
Recommended: Serving the Diverse Community
Additionally Required for National Disaster Team:

Authorized to teach two or more basic disaster services courses, one of which must be for a direct services function; must teach a minimum of three times each year, and must have the required disaster experience to maintain authorization.
Demonstrate basic disaster services course instructional skills that would indicate a readiness to teach (with coaching) the orientation provided to staff on a disaster relief operation.
Be flexible, adaptable to change, and accept direction, as required, in varied work settings, weather conditions, cultures, and geography.

Disaster Action Team
Career Development Criteria

*Position*	*Training*	*Experience*	*Other*
DAT Member (Direct Response)	Intro. to Disaster DAT Orientation Damage Assessment - I Mass Care: An Overview Family Service: Providing Emergency Assistance	None	Recommended: Serving the Diverse Community Shelter Operations Shelter Simulation
DAT Captain (Direct Response)	All of the above plus: Shelter Operations Shelter Simulation Supervision in Disaster	1 year local DAT + 1 resp. to multi-family or large scale incident or participation in chapter exercise.	Recommended: Administering a Small Disaster Operation (ASDO) Public Affairs - I Emergency Operations Center Incident Command System (offered by SEMA) Working Together: Building Effective Pd. & Vol. Rel.
Disaster Supervisor On-Call (Response Support)	All of the above plus: Chapter Response to Aviation Disaster Administering a Small Disaster Operation (ASDO) Incident Command System (offered by SEMA)	Same as for DAT Coord. (May have only 1 year DAT exp. with waiver from Director of Emergency Svcs.) Must reside in Greene County.	Recommended: Liaison - I Human Resource in Disaster DSHR experience helpful Working Together: Building Effective Pd. & Vol. Rel.
DAT Coordinator (Administrative Support)	All of the above plus: Working Together: Building Effective Pd. & Vol. Rel. Human Resource in Disaster	2 years local DAT + 2 resp. to multi-family or large scale incidents + participation in chapter exercise.	Recommended: Liaison - I DSHR experience helpful