American Red Cross - Disaster Action Team- South LA, West LA, DTLA, Koreatown,

QUICK OVERVIEW
Every day people are forced from their home due to fires, storms, or other disasters. Our Disaster Action Team volunteers respond day and night to meet the immediate needs of their neighbors. Support may include financial assistance for food, clothing, and lodging, emotional support, replacing prescription medications, and other critically needed items.
 
IMPACT

• The American Red Cross responds to a disaster every 8 minutes. That’s an average of more than 60,000 disasters every year. Disaster Action Team volunteers provide care, comfort, and compassion to neighbors affected by these emergencies.
• The Red Cross provides all the training needed and all new members are paired with an experienced member to provide guidance.
• As a Disaster Action Team member, you will learn more about emergency management, interfacing with the fire department and other emergency officials as well as other community partners.

To see the Disaster Team in Action, click Here.
 
VOLUNTEER ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works as part of an assigned team to respond to local disasters within two hours.
• Works with on-scene lead to assess whether additional resources/support are required and communicates those needs to DAT (Disaster Action Team) Leadership.
• Attends regularly scheduled team/DAT meetings as required by Chapter/Region.
• Commits to being available during assigned shifts and communicates scheduling conflicts with DAT (Disaster Action Team) Leadership.

REQUIREMENTS

• Willingness to comply with Red Cross COVID-19 policies for in-person volunteer activities.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission of the American Red Cross
• Remains current with all required training.
• Able to respond reliably to local disasters when on call.
• Able to follow Red Cross DAT and other related standards and procedures.
• Reliable access to technology (including smartphones and laptops or computers)
• Ability to learn and use Red Cross systems, including RC Care and RC Respond and online interfaces.
• Ability to work in challenging and stressful conditions such as poor air quality, uneven ground, adverse weather, etc.
• Must have a valid driver's license and/or a timely, reliable way to get to the scene.
• Ability to take direction from steady state and operational leadership.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to:

• Stand for two-hour periods
• Sit for two-hour periods
• Walk on uneven terrain
• Walk for two miles during a shift
• Work in extreme heat and/or humidity
• Work in extreme cold
• Spend hours writing
• Speak clearly on the phone and in person
• Climb two or more flights of stairs
• Drive in daytime and at night.

All volunteers participating in this volunteer opportunity should adhere to the health and safety guidelines outlined here: https://www.laworks.com/health-and-safety.

By clicking “Express Interest,” I acknowledge that I am aware and understand that I am being referred to Activities that are coordinated and managed by a third party Agency or Organization and that L.A. Works has no jurisdiction, control, or oversight over these Activities. The Activities may be inherently dangerous and may expose me to a variety of foreseen and unforeseen hazards and risks including exposure to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”).  The Activities may involve a degree of contact with clients who need assistance and other volunteers who may be carriers of COVID-19 and that personal protective equipment may not be available for my use and/or effective in preventing transmission of COVID-19 whether as a result of my own actions or otherwise.   

By clicking “Express Interest,” I acknowledge that I am voluntarily participating in the Activities and have considered those risks. I hereby expressly and specifically assume such risks, including any and all risk of injury, illness, harm, or loss that I may incur as a result of my participation in the Activities. I hereby fully and forever release and discharge L.A. Works from, and expressly waive, any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, that may arise from my participation in the Activities.