Help Communities Heal After Disaster – Become a Mental Health Volunteer with the American Red Cross

Disaster Mental Health Volunteer

Are you a licensed mental health professional who wants to help people heal after disaster?

Disaster Mental Health Volunteers support individuals, families, and responders impacted by disasters by providing compassionate emotional care and helping reduce the effects of trauma. This temporary, operational role supports the mission of the American Red Cross by promoting coping, resilience, and recovery before, during, and after disaster events.

Location

Western New York Region

Training and onboarding are virtual; response work may be in person or virtual depending on the event.

What You’ll Do

• Provide disaster mental health support to individuals, families, communities, and Red Cross workers
• Help clients cope with stress, grief, and trauma related to disaster experiences
• Connect individuals to long-term recovery and local mental health resources
• Support responder wellness, including workforce support and condolence care efforts
• Collaborate with disaster response teams and follow Red Cross guidelines
• Document services using Red Cross systems (RC Care)
• Complete required Disaster Responder training

Training & Growth

You’ll receive the training and support needed to feel confident in your role.

Volunteers may also grow into leadership opportunities such as Disaster Mental Health Supervisor.

What We’re Looking For

Required Credentials (one of the following):

• Licensed mental health professionals (Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, MFT, Psychiatry – including LMSW)
• School Psychologists or School Counselors (licensed/certified)
• Psychiatric Nurses (RN with 2+ years psychiatric experience)

Additional Requirements

• Ability to use online systems (including RC Care)
• Strong listening, communication, and teamwork skills
• Comfort working in dynamic and sometimes stressful environments
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds
• Valid Driver’s License (required for out-of-region deployments)
• Willingness to comply with Red Cross and public health policies

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join us in being there for people when they need support the most.

Your skills, compassion, and presence can make a lasting impact for individuals and communities recovering from disaster.