Emergency Support Services Responder/Emergency Management Volunteer – Canadian Red Cross

Role Overview
The Canadian Red Cross (Red Cross) – an inspirational not for profit organization, helps people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and supports them in strengthening their resilience. We are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free working environment.

Emergency Management Teams across Canada are looking for volunteers to be a part of their mission. Because of our wide-reaching network of highly trained volunteers, Canadians who have found themselves impacted by disasters big and small, are able to turn to the Canadian Red Cross for relief and support.

As we are engaged with people that may be vulnerable a satisfactory Enhanced Police Information Check or equivalent is mandatory for all personnel volunteering or working with the Red Cross.

Responsibilities
As a volunteer in this role, you will:

Respond to alerts to support emergency response operations, in-person or virtually, as needed, locally and across the Yukon.

Assess needs with those affected by an emergency event, complete documentation, and provide appropriate supports, such as shelter, clothing, and food.

Deploy locally and throughout the territory to establish and operate emergency response sites such as congregate shelters and reception centres, as available.

Work collaboratively as part of an experienced team of trained EM volunteers and respond to emergencies in your community, or the Yukon or across Canada according to your schedule and availability.

Support the well-being and recovery of impacted individuals by providing referrals to partner agencies and other community-based assistance.

Contribute to and participate in community-based risk reduction and emergency preparedness activities such as exercises, emergency supply management, and public education initiatives.

Prepare, inventory and manage response supplies to ensure they are stocked and ready.

Contribute to the overall health, safety and security of the team you work with.

Participate in Red Cross team building, training, planning and readiness exercises.

Have the opportunity to apply for specialized positions and leadership roles to supervise, mentor, and lead other volunteers and manage the delivery of emergency services.

Experience and Skills
You bring these essential talents:

Commitment: To the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross Movement and the core competencies of team excellence, service excellence and accountability.
Customer service skills: Empathetic and dedicated to supporting those affected by emergencies. Respond decisively, remain focused and can shift priorities quickly as needed.
Communication skills: Utilize active listening, care and the ability to clearly communicate your understanding when dealing with complex situations.
Computer skills and attention to detail: Basic/intermediate skills will be necessary for training and responses. Accuracy when inputting sensitive information.
Flexibility and dependability: Ability to respond to alerts during traditional and non-traditional hours may be required. This can include late nights or weekends, depending on the event.
Teamwork values: Assist your team members, respect diversity, and be willing to build relationships.

Estimated Time Commitment
The role has specific training requirements, including approximately 25 hours of online training which must be completed within three months therefore having access to a personal computer is a need.

Volunteers can expect 3-5 hours / month of preparedness activities (meetings/workshops etc.)
Time requirements for responses range from 1-3 hours for small responses. For larger emergencies the time commitment could be up to 35 hours / week, based on your own schedule and availability. Deployments out of the Yukon usually require a commitment of one to two weeks

Volunteer Recognition or Benefits
All training provided by the Canadian Red Cross. The Canadian Red Cross has a volunteer engagement and recognition program.

Minimum Age
18

Additional Screening or Clearance
Enhanced Police Information Check