Disaster Shelter Transition Responder – Help Families Move From Crisis to Stability - Charles County, MD

Help Families Move Forward After Disaster | American Red Cross

Location: National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region

Commitment: 30+ hours monthly | 6-month appointment

Age Requirement: 18+

Background Check: Required

When disaster strikes, the American Red Cross opens shelters to keep families safe. But their journey doesn’t end there—you can help them take the next step.

We’re looking for compassionate, detail-oriented volunteers to serve as Shelter Resident Transition (SRT) Responders—a critical role that supports displaced households in moving from temporary sheltering into safe, sustainable long-term housing.

If you’re calm under pressure, a natural problem-solver, and passionate about helping people recover after crisis, this is the role for you.

⭐ What You’ll Do

As a Shelter Resident Transition Service Associate, you will:

When Deployed on Disaster Relief Operations (Level 4 and above):

• Build trust with assigned households and meet with them regularly (every ~48 hours).
• Help families identify resources, needs, and barriers to create a personalized transition plan.
• Provide equitable, compassionate casework services: coaching, planning, resources, advocacy, referrals, and more.
• Document progress in RC Care and coordinate with shelter teams—Health Services, Mental Health, Spiritual Care, and more.
• Ensure eligible families receive immediate financial assistance.
• Support clients using tools like the Shelter Client Information Application (SCIA).

When Not Deployed (Steady State):

• Maintain an active RC Care account and stay up-to-date through online practice, updates, and trainings.
• Participate in regional exercises, workshops, and SRT engagement sessions.
• Mentor new caseworkers and support recovery planning casework.
• Practice and stay familiar with SRT procedures and triage fundamentals.

In All Situations:

• Provide services aligned with Red Cross values and fundamental principles.
• Adapt quickly in fast-changing environments.
• Work both independently and as part of a disaster-response team.
• Manage time-sensitive tasks and report progress as needed.

🧰 What You Bring

Required for SRT Responders:

• Active RC Care account (or ability to obtain Caseworker access).
• RedCross.org email address (provided upon onboarding).
• Passion and experience helping individuals overcome obstacles.
• Ability to manage a complex caseload.
• Comfortable working remotely and in a team environment.

General Requirements:

• Strong communication and active listening skills.
• Excellent organization and time management.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.
• Calm and professional in stressful environments.
• Ability to gather and report information accurately.
• Valid driver’s license (for out-of-region deployment).
• Willingness to follow public health and Red Cross safety policies.

❤️ Why This Role Matters

Every household has its own pathway to recovery. As an SRT Responder, you help shorten the time families spend in shelters, reduce stress, and set them on the path toward stability and hope. Your compassion directly eases human suffering.

If you’re ready to make a powerful impact in moments when people need it most, we’d love to have you on our team.