Remote Volunteer Opportunity from home as Volunteer Dispatcher - Duty Officer

Duty Officer (Remote Volunteer Opportunity)

Make a Difference Behind the Scenes During Disasters

As a Duty Officer, you are the first point of contact when the American Red Cross receives a request for disaster assistance. When an emergency such as a house fire occurs, you help gather information, confirm details with emergency responders, and determine whether a Red Cross response is needed. If assistance is required, you coordinate the activation of a Disaster Action Team (DAT) to support those affected.

This position can be performed remotely from home after training and is a great opportunity for students interested in leadership, emergency management, communications, public service, or nonprofit work.

What You'll Do

Coordinate Disaster Responses

• • Receive calls from the Red Cross Dispatch Center about local disaster incidents.
  • Verify information with emergency responders and other sources.
  • Determine whether a Red Cross response is needed based on established guidelines.
  • Contact and dispatch Disaster Action Team volunteers to respond to incidents.
  • Monitor responses and ensure volunteers have the support and resources they need.

Support Disaster Operations

• • Document incident information using Red Cross online systems.
  • Track multiple responses when necessary.
  • Notify Red Cross leadership of significant incidents.

Leadership Opportunities

• • Provide guidance and support to responding Disaster Action Team members.
  • Help train and mentor new Duty Officers as you gain experience.
  • Work closely with chapter and regional disaster teams.

Time Commitment

Flexible Schedule

We ask volunteers to commit to three 6-hour on-call shifts per month (18 hours total). Shifts can be scheduled around your availability and may be completed during the day, evening, overnight, or weekends.

This flexibility makes the role ideal for students with changing class schedules.

What You'll Need

• • Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to stay calm and organized during emergencies.
  • Basic computer skills and willingness to learn Red Cross online systems.
  • Reliable internet access and phone service.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and make decisions in a fast-paced environment.
  • Commitment to the mission of the American Red Cross.

What You'll Gain

• • Real-world leadership and decision-making experience.
  • Experience in emergency management and disaster response.
  • Training in Red Cross disaster operations.
  • Opportunities to build communication, coordination, and crisis management skills.
  • Valuable experience for careers in public service, healthcare, emergency management, nonprofit leadership, communications, and related fields.

Location

Remote (Work From Home) after completing required training.

Length of Service

Volunteers may continue serving in this role for as long as they remain active and are able to perform the responsibilities of the position.

Impact: While Duty Officers may not respond directly to disaster scenes, they play a critical role in ensuring that help reaches individuals and families affected by emergencies quickly and efficiently.