AmeriCorps National Preparedness & Response Corps Member, Red Cross

Posted by on July 11, 2011

AmeriCorps National Preparedness & Response Corps Member

Posted on: June 28, 2011

POSITION SUMMARY

NPRC members will provide vital emergency assistance to communities affected by disaster. They will also help communities prepare for and respond to disasters by providing community disaster education and emergency assistance to victims of local and national disasters.

MAJOR DUTIES
· Rotates through one or more internships within the Emergency Services Department.
· Coordinates a special project of choice relating to the accomplishment of NPRC objectives and fulfillment of SEPA Chapter needs.
· Participates in monthly member development activities and service projects with fellow NPRC Members.

SITE/DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
· Performs one or more internships in the Emergency Services Department. Members will choose to intern with one or more of the department supervisors whose functions include: (1) coordinating and conducting volunteer trainings, (2) administering the specialty volunteer program which includes nurses, mental health professionals and chaplains, (4) working at the Emergency Communications Center taking in calls regarding disasters and Armed Forces Emergency Services messages, (5) preparing for large-scale disasters which includes inspecting possible shelter sites and coordinating supply logistics, (6) working as a caseworker to help local disaster clients recover and transition to the next phase of their lives.
· Responds to local disaster assignments as part of the city of Philadelphia Disaster Action Team. Duties include meeting clients at the disaster site, performing a damage assessment and providing needed assistance such as shelter, food and clothing.
· Provides age-appropriate and culturally aware Community Disaster Education presentations at Philadelphia schools. Student groups can range in age from 5 to 18. The goal of these presentations is to increase awareness of disasters and to teach students how to prepare for disasters.
· Responds on national disaster assignments as part of the Disaster Services Human Resources system, serving for a maximum of 3 weeks per assignment for a possible two assignments. National assignment duties can include sheltering, mobile feeding and supply distribution.

REQUIREMENTS

Experience:
· Previous experience and success working with diverse populations
· At least one year of volunteer or community service experience
· Additional experience to be determined by site

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
· Excellent organizational skills
· Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
· Public speaking and group facilitation
· Ability to mobilize on disaster assignments lasting a maximum of three weeks
· Demonstrated professionalism, flexibility and initiative
· Team-oriented

Other:
· A current valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
· At least 18 years of age at the start of the program
· A U.S. Citizen, U.S. National or lawful permanent resident alien of the U.S.
· Willing to make a 10.5 month commitment and complete 1700 hours of service

Send cover letter and resume to Sarah Rissinger at rissingers@redcross-philly.org.