Disaster Action Team (DAT) Duty Officer

Most of the 60,000 emergencies that the Red Cross responds to each year are local, personal disasters like home fires. Disaster Action Teams (DAT) provide emotional support, financial assistance, and information to help families begin the process of recovery. The DAT Duty Officer is at the heart of the Red Cross's rapid response system, ensuring that families receive timely support after local disasters like home fires. From their own home, the Duty Officer will coordinate volunteers and manage communications, playing a key role in activating the Red Cross's emergency response efforts.

Time Commitment:

• • Two 6-hour shifts per week (6am-12pm,12pm-6pm,6pm-12am,12am-6am, all days)
  • Minimum term of 1 year

Key Responsibilities:

• • Leadership & Support
  • Determine if Red Cross action is needed and initiate the response
  • Escalate responses when events require expanded support
  • Guide and support on-scene volunteers, including new Duty Officers
  • Communicate critical updates to leadership and document events
  • Operations & Coordination
  • Monitor and assign emergency calls via RC Respond software
  • Dispatch DAT responders and ensure appropriate resource coverage
  • Activate Disaster Health, Mental Health, and Spiritual Care services as needed
  • Maintain accurate, timely records of all response activity
  • Technology & Communication
  • Use Red Cross systems (RC Respond, RC Care) to manage incidents
  • Ensure status updates, handoffs, and call closures are logged clearly
  • Coordinate multiple simultaneous responses if required

Qualifications & Requirements:

• • Required
  • Age 18+
  • Access to a computer, phone, and reliable internet
  • Comfort with learning and using technology
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks in high-stress situations
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Willingness to follow Red Cross and public health guidelines
  • Preferred
  • Prior DAT experience (or willingness to shadow a team on a call or exercise)

Training & Support:

• • Full training provided, including use of RC Respond systems
  • Ongoing mentorship from experienced DAT leaders
  • Opportunities to grow into leadership or tech support roles

Volunteer Benefits:

• • Build leadership and crisis management skills
  • Gain experience for a career in emergency management or public service
  • Make a direct impact in your local community
  • Join a compassionate, mission-driven team
  • Learn new technologies and meet like-minded volunteers

Apply here, email recruitment.gny@redcross.org, or express interest below!