Offer compassion, hope, and spiritual care to individuals and families in crisis. Join the American Red Cross and volunteer in our Disaster Spiritual Care role

Disaster Spiritual Care Volunteer

Use your faith-based training to bring comfort, connection, and hope to people after disaster.

Disaster Spiritual Care Volunteers support the Regional Disaster Cycle Services (DCS) team by providing compassionate spiritual and emotional care to individuals and families impacted by disasters. This temporary, operational role focuses on meeting people where they are—helping them draw on their own spiritual resources, values, and beliefs while respecting all faith traditions.

Location:

Western New York Region

Training is virtual; response work may be in person or virtual depending on the event.

What You’ll Do

• Provide spiritual and emotional support to disaster survivors in a respectful, interfaith manner
• Help clients draw on their own beliefs, values, and spiritual resources during times of crisis
• Support long-term recovery by offering compassionate presence and connecting clients to local resources
• Assist in building partnerships with local faith-based organizations and community groups
• Be available to provide spiritual care support to Red Cross staff and responders when requested
• Complete required Disaster Responder training

Training & Growth

• You’ll receive training to help you feel prepared and supported in this role.
• Volunteers who become proficient may advance into leadership roles, deploy beyond the region, and support large-scale disaster operations.

What We’re Looking For:

Required Qualifications

• Meets one or more of the following:
  • Disaster Spiritual Care provider in good standing with a National VOAD member organization
  • Board-certified chaplain
  • Professional chaplain (paid or volunteer) with organizational endorsement
  • Endorsed leader of a local faith community or faith-based organization
  • Successful completion of the Disaster Spiritual Care screening evaluation
• Strong organization, reliability, and time-management skills
• Demonstrated active listening and compassionate communication skills
• Ability to provide interfaith support while maintaining neutrality and impartiality
• Ability to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and belief systems
• Ability to follow Red Cross standards, procedures, and reporting requirements

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to stand or sit for two-hour periods
• Ability to walk up to 2 miles per shift, including on uneven terrain
• Ability to bend, stoop, or kneel as needed
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather
• Ability to climb two or more flights of stairs
• Ability to drive during daytime and evening hours
• Ability to work on a computer, read small print, and communicate clearly by phone for extended periods

Ready to Serve When It Matters Most?

Join us in offering presence, compassion, and hope to individuals and families navigating life after disaster.