Volunteer Opportunity: Disaster Spiritual Care Volunteer
Help people find strength, hope, and resilience in times of crisis. As a Disaster Spiritual Care (DSC) Volunteer, you’ll provide compassionate, interfaith spiritual and emotional support to individuals and families affected by disasters, as well as to fellow Red Cross workers.
Key Responsibilities
- Support disaster clients as they draw on their own spiritual resources, values, and faith during crisis—regardless of faith tradition.
- Build and maintain partnerships with local faith-based organizations.
- Promote long-term recovery by offering spiritual/emotional care and connecting clients with community resources.
- Provide spiritual care support to Red Cross staff and volunteers upon request.
Why You’ll Be a Great Fit
Required Qualifications:
- Willingness to comply with Red Cross COVID‑19 policies for in-person activities.
- Meets one of the following criteria:
- A disaster spiritual care provider in good standing with a National VOAD member organization.
- A Board-certified chaplain.
- A professional chaplain (paid or volunteer) endorsed by their organization.
- An endorsed leader of a local faith community or organization.
- Successfully completed the DSC Screening evaluation with a DSC Regional Program Lead or Division Advisor.
- Strong organizational skills; reliable and punctual.
- Demonstrated active listening and compassionate communication skills.
- Ability to follow standards, procedures, and reporting requirements.
- Ability to involve appropriate partners to manage problems or conflict.
- Able to gather, evaluate, and report information accurately.
- Ability to provide interfaith support while upholding neutrality and impartiality.
Key Skills
- Customer Focus: Builds strong relationships and delivers client‑centered care.
- Action Oriented: Approaches new challenges with urgency, energy, and enthusiasm.
- Values Differences: Respects and embraces diverse cultures, perspectives, and beliefs.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand or sit for up to 2 hours.
- Able to walk up to 2 miles per shift on uneven terrain.
- Able to bend, stoop, or kneel multiple times per shift.
- Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions.
- Ability to write, read small print, speak clearly on the phone, and work on a computer for extended periods.
- Ability to climb two or more flights of stairs.
- Ability to drive during daytime and evening hours.