Job Description

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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.

The Red Cross of Louisiana has a fantastic opportunity available for a Disaster Program Specialist in Alexandria.  This is full time position which will include planned and non planned events in the evening and on weekends. This position will include 24/7 on-call responsibilities. Position will require regional travel. A valid drivers license and clear driving record is required to operate a Red Cross vehicle.

This Disaster Program Specialist (DPS) is part of a team that organizes and facilitates all disaster operations and services in Alexandria and the surrounding parishes. As part of the disaster team covering a busy region, this DPS leads and manages a volunteer teams responsible for the implementation of disaster preparedness, response and recovery programs within their territory.  The DPS ensures proper development of disaster leadership volunteers in each of the disaster cycle support areas in order to meet the needs of the territory, and will take part in volunteer recruitment as well. The DPS is also responsible for local preparation, response  and recovery management, as well as management of government partnerships. 
 
*All full time disaster employees must be willing and able to be deployed, as needed.*
 
Upon employment, must be able to learn and become proficient in:ARC programs and procedures, Volunteer Management, Financial Management, Cultural Competency, Emergency Management Practices, Community, Government, Partnerships, Supply chain and warehousing, technical disaster expertise.

Responsibilities:
 
1. Program Service Development & Support:Facilitates in and supports the development and implementation of strategies, initiatives, tools, plans, processes and procedures within a functional area, or oversees the full disaster cycle, through the development of volunteer leadership. Analyzes opportunities for improved program service and recommends to DPM for implementation. Functional areas may include:Mass Care, Client Casework, Health & Mental Health Services, Logistics, Information Management & Situational Awareness, Partnerships & Emergency Management, Workforce Development, Preparedness, General Volunteer Support & Engagement, or Home Fire Campaign. If providing full-cycle management, the DPS will manage the implementation of the disaster services program in an assigned geographic territory that is a sub-territory of the supervising DPM’s jurisdiction.  The DPS will accomplish this through the support, development and operational guidance of a team of trained volunteer leaders, volunteers, and partners that will stand ready to deliver the services of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery programs in the assigned sub-territory. Implements assigned programs or services to meet the programmatic goals of DCS within the region. This position operates as part of a regional Disaster Cycle Services team and may be called to support local preparation, response and recovery activities as well as maintaining government partnerships with assigned territory.  Additionally, the DPS assists with a broader division and national network of disaster responders and will be asked to help with deployments and relief operation activity outside their immediate region.  This may include physical deployment to impacted communities.

2. Volunteer Program Management, Engagement and Support: Engages and develops a primarily volunteer team responsible for the implementation of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery programs in the local area. Ensures the development of Disaster Leadership Volunteers in each of the assigned program support functional areas of the disaster cycle in order to meet the needs of the assigned geography.

3. Local Planning, Training Development, Community Outreach:Develops and participates in local  planning and exercises.  Develops and conducts training, including exercises called by local partners Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster, Emergency Management Agencies and Local Emergency Planning Committees (VOADs, EMAs and LEPCs).  May evaluate and report effectiveness of program or service.  Prepares  recommendations for continuous improvement. Serves as the Red Cross thought leader as needed with local level with government and other agencies and organizations involved in disaster.  Key representative of Red Cross in the community, interfacing with local officials and developing plans with community leaders.  Ensures activities are in compliance with regional and national procedures and policies.

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.

Qualifications

Education:Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:  Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience with social services or service/program delivery. Ability to coordinate staff and volunteer activities. Ability to interpret program trends, results, and related data to formulate recommendations. Ability to manage multiple priorities with strong skills in planning and problem solving.

Management Experience:Minimum of 6 months to one year supervisory experience preferred.

Skills and Abilities:Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Develops project plans & budgets. Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of program or service. Demonstrated ability in creating presentations and developing training modules. Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals. Demonstrated analytical and decision- making skills to develop creative processes for continuous program or service improvements. Demonstrated analytical and decision-making skills to develop creative processes for continuous program or service improvements. Proven track record of collaboration, facilitation, problem solving, marketing, leadership, and partnership management.  Additionally, this position requires ability for planning, public speaking, project management and process improvement. Individual must be customer oriented, organized, and able to operate with an orientation toward solutions with an external focus, and team orientation.

Other: Intermediate level proficiency with MS Office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Familiarity with federal, state, and local employment laws. 

Must be able to perform all assigned responsibilities under “grey sky” requirements. This position is also responsible for ensuring that all American Red Cross finance policies and procedures are followed as related to the scope of work activity.  All full time disaster employees must be willing and able to be deployed, as needed. 

Travel:Will involve regional travel

Other Requirements:Upon employment, must be able to learn and become proficient in:
ARC programs and procedures
Volunteer Management
Financial Management
Cultural Competency
Emergency Management Practices
Community
Government
Partnerships
Supply chain and warehousing
Disaster technical expertise

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 20 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 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.

Apply now!  Joining our team will provide you with the opportunity to make a difference every day.

The American Red Cross is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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Interested in Volunteering?
Life’s emergencies don’t stop, and neither do American Red Cross volunteers, who represent more than 90 percent of our workforce to help prevent and alleviate human suffering. You can make a difference by volunteering in a position that appeals to you and allows you to use your unique skills and talents. The Red Cross relies on generous volunteers who give their time and talent to help fulfill our lifesaving mission.

Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn more, including our most-needed volunteer positions.

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