Volunteer with the NYC Disaster Action Team

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. DAT Specialists respond to local disasters and provide immediate compassion and care to clients.

Your Responsibilities in this Role:

• • Work as a part of an assigned team to respond to local disasters within established timelines.
  • Provide care, comfort, and compassion to clients in accordance with Red Cross standards and procedures.
  • Collaborate with your on-scene teammates to assess whether additional resources/support are required and communicate those needs to chapter leadership.
  • Use computers and mobile devices to enter client information into Red Cross systems accurately and securely.
  • Exercise flexibility in a continuously changing environment in which work priorities may change frequently.
  • Work independently while following the direction of the direct supervisor.

Please note that you must be able to work in challenging and stressful conditions on a DAT response, including poor air quality, uneven ground, and adverse weather.

Time Commitment:

A 1-year commitment is necessary due to training and mentorship requirements. The commitment is for two 8-hour shifts per month.

DAT Specialists are expected to complete all online training within 3 months of starting the position.

As a DAT volunteer, you will come into the NYC Chapter HQ for your shift and be dispatched to responses within the five boroughs along with the rest of your team. The options for shift times are 6am-2pm, 2pm-10pm, and 10pm-6am, 7 days a week.

Ready to make a difference? Apply here or contact recruitment.gny@redcross.org.