Regional Disaster Program Officer, American Red Cross

Posted by American Red Cross on May 29, 2017

By joining the American Red Cross you will touch millions of lives every year and experience the greatness of the human spirit at its best. Are you ready to be part of the world’s largest humanitarian network?

Job Description
At the Red Cross, there is no such thing as a small disaster. In every single case it is the Red Cross’ mission to help people affected by disaster meet their emergency needs that include shelter, food, clothing, and health and mental health services. As a paid staff member, you will support our loyal Red Cross disaster volunteers who serve selflessly to provide a bridge of assistance until individuals and families can resume a normal life.

Our disaster volunteers are the heart and soul of our mission to respond to emergencies and provide relief to victims of disasters. They serve in a number of capacities, including Disaster Action Team Member, Disaster Assessment, Caseworker, Mass Care Feeding, Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) Driver, Shelter Manager/Staff, Disaster Health Services and Disaster Mental Health.

The American Red Cross is currently seeking a Regional Disaster Program Officer for our Eastern Pennsylvania Region. This position will be based in our Philadelphia, PA Chapter. The RDPO is responsible for the entire Eastern PA region.

As a Regional Disaster Program Officer you must be willing to travel and work outside of normal business hours in times of disaster.

Job Summary

The RDPO is responsible for the implementation of the disaster services program throughout the region in alignment with established metrics. All disaster positions in a region have a solid line reporting relationship to the RDPO. The RDPO will also ensure that employees and volunteers within a region are assigned specific “relationship management” responsibilities with key emergency management staff, non-governmental organizations and corporate/organizations supporting disaster services (i.e., account management). Serves during times of disaster in an operational leadership role for any scale of disaster. Participates in a leadership role on larger operations regionally, division or nationwide.

This position operates as a part of the Disaster Management Cycle processes. It is responsible for government partnerships, measurement and evaluation, information provision, preparation, and response management. Drivers for this work include the number of municipalities within its coverage area, the amount and complexity of program activity, presence of significant grant funding, geography, risk, population, frequency of events, and regional structure.

The Regional Chief Program Officer performs these functions according to the direction provided by the Division Disaster Executive (DDE) and Regional Chapter Executive (RCE); team leadership is provided by the DDE. This position reports directly to the RCE; dotted line to DDE and receives personnel development from both .

Responsibilities

• Policy development and partnerships: Regionally, serves as the Red Cross thought leader and ensures interface with government entities, organizations, and other leadership entities in the field of emergency services, disaster policy and operations, and community resiliency.
• Mobilizes the community to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. Meets the needs and expectations of clients and stakeholders.
• Executes a comprehensive regional response when required. Serves during times of disaster as the operational leadership for the region for any scale of disaster; Participates in a leadership role on larger operations regionally, division or nationwide
• Leads and manages the team responsible for the implementation of disaster services programs throughout the region, ensuring disaster services are delivered in a rapid and accessible manner in order to meet the urgent needs of our clients. Include performance evaluations. May supervise Service to Armed Forces and International Services programs depending on the structure of the region.
• Develops and supports disaster volunteers who are the primary workforce. Drives the development of Disaster Leadership Volunteers in order to meet the needs of the Region, State and Division.
• Program management: Accountable for the implementation of the disaster services program in alignment with established metrics .

Scope: Job level is also determined by additional factors including regional disaster risk assessment, which contributes to job complexity. Develops and supports disaster volunteers who are the primary workforce; Drives the development of Disaster Leadership Volunteers in order to meet the needs of the Region, State and Division. Regionally, serves as the Red Cross thought leader and ensures interface with government entities, organizations, and other leadership entities in the field of emergency services, disaster policy and operations, and community resiliency. Serves during times of disaster as the operational leadership for the region for any scale of disaster; Participates in a leadership role on larger operations regionally, division or nationwide.

Essential Functions/Physical Requirements: Depending on work assignment, may require ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; or the ability to stand, walk and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of up to 40 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment and read technical information. Overall mobility is essential. May include sitting for long periods of time, driving a vehicle and working under challenging conditions.

Work Conditions

• Work is performed indoors and outdoors with some potential for exposure to safety and health hazards related to emergency services relief work. May travel and participate in meetings and conferences throughout chapter jurisdiction, state and Red Cross system. Because the Red Cross is a disaster response organization, staff may be asked to be on 24-hour call during period of major disaster.
• Potential exposure to Hepatitis B and blood borne pathogens via bodily fluids, blood, mucus, saliva. Must be open to working outdoor events where weather conditions will vary and may also be exposed to long periods of extreme noise levels inside arenas where concerts or other high volume events may occur.
• Will be required to work evenings and weekends to provide program direction and ensure adequate coverage for contracted events and that first aid station and personnel operate within state regulations and run smoothly and efficiently.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in emergency management, public administration, or organizational development preferred.
• Experience: Minimum five years’ experience directing and leading large scale social service programs. Track record of leadership results in non-profit and /or for-profit organizations. Knowledge of volunteer management, financial management, emergency management, adult education, community and government programs and procedures as well as disaster technical expertise.
• Management Experience:Minimum three years of staff management experience. Demonstrated abilities in the following areas: supervisory, ability to work with volunteers, coaching, training.
• Skills and Abilities: Proven track record of collaboration, facilitation, problem solving, leadership, partnership management. Additionally, this position requires ability for data analysis, planning, technical writing, public speaking, project management, data entry and management, process improvement. Must be analytical, customer oriented, flexible, organized, and able to operate with an orientation toward solutions, an external focus, and team orientation.
• Other: Requires familiarity with Program guidance and standards; proficiency in standard office technology tools such as cell phone; laptop; internet cards and Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Travel: Travel is required throughout the Region.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

If this sounds like the kind of opportunity that you’ve been waiting for, please apply at:
https://americanredcross.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/American_Red_Cross_Careers