Disaster Response Volunteer (VIRTUAL) - Metro Los Angeles

Most of the 60,000 emergencies that the Red Cross responds to each year are local, personal disasters like home fires. Disaster Duty Officers (DDOs) are the first point of contact when local disasters happen, helping coordinate Red Cross response efforts across Los Angeles County. This is a leadership and dispatch-style volunteer role that supports emergency response teams behind the scenes.

In this role, you will:

• Receive and review emergency calls to determine whether Red Cross assistance is needed
• Coordinate and dispatch Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers when a response is required
• Support on-scene response teams and help guide response operations
• Communicate important updates to Red Cross leadership and partners
• Help ensure disaster responses follow Red Cross procedures and standards
• Work closely with local disaster response volunteers and staff across the region
• Support and mentor new Duty Officers as needed

This is a great opportunity for someone who:

• Stays calm and organized in fast paced situations
• Enjoys problem solving and coordinating people/resources
• Is comfortable communicating by phone and computer
• Wants to make a direct impact during local emergencies and disasters
• Is interested in emergency management, disaster response, public service, or leadership experience

Requirements:

• Must be 18 years or older
• Must live within Los Angeles County
• Reliable access to a computer, internet, and phone
• Comfortable learning and using technology systems
• Strong communication and multitasking skills
• Ability to spend extended time working on a computer and phone
• Willingness to follow current Red Cross and public health policies

Typical Commitment:

Approximately four 6-hour on-call shifts per month, which averages about one shift per week