Are you a Licensed Health Professional who would like to volunteer and support a disaster response?

Disaster Health Services Volunteer

Are you a licensed health professional who wants to make a meaningful difference during disasters?

Disaster Health Services Volunteers support the Regional Disaster Cycle Services (DCS) team by providing compassionate, hands-on care to individuals and families affected by disasters. This temporary, in-person role offers the opportunity to use your professional skills to support shelter residents and help communities recover during hurricane and wildfire season and other disaster responses.

Location

Western New York Region

Training is completed virtually; response work is in person.

What You’ll Do

• Provide hands-on care and support to shelter residents, including:
  • Assistance with activities of daily living
  • Basic wound care and first aid
  • Incontinence care
  • Support for individuals with functional and access needs
• Conduct health assessments, provide health education, and help determine when a higher level of care is needed
• Assist clients in replacing medications, durable medical equipment, and essential medical supplies
• Advocate for client needs while working closely with the Disaster Health Services Supervisor
• Support maternal and child health needs as appropriate
• Complete required virtual self-paced and instructor-led training (approximately 9 hours total)

Training & Support

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

Please review the Disaster Responder Training Requirements document for current training details.

Grow With Us

Volunteers who are interested may grow into leadership roles, including Disaster Health Services Supervisor.

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications:

• Age 18 or older
• Current, unencumbered license in at least one of the following professions:
  • RN, LPN, LVN
  • EMT* or Paramedic*
  • MD, DO
  • PA, NP, APRN
• Willing and able to volunteer in person in a disaster shelter before, during, and/or after disaster events
• Availability to sign up for shifts on consecutive days (8- or 12-hour shifts)
• Valid Driver’s License (required for Divisional and National deployments)
• Ability to read, write, and follow verbal and written instructions in English