Opportunities From: Volunteer Opportunities at United Way of Northern New Jersey

Imagine being awakened by smoke alarms in the middle of the night. You rush to get your family out to safety now that your home is engulfed in flames. You’re now standing outside of your house in your pajamas in the middle of the night with nowhere to go. Who do you call? The American Red Cross! On the other end of the phone is the Regional Disaster Dispatcher ready to help you during one of the worst days of your life.

The Disaster Dispatcher is a lifeline to temporary assistance during a disaster. The Dispatcher is responsible for dispatching Red Cross volunteers called Disaster Action Team (DAT) members to meet with victims of home fires, and other disasters, to provide temporary relief such as funds for a hotel room, food, and clothing.

Details:

Work from the comfort of your own home Required Red Cross training (mix of online and "live" Microsoft Teams sessions) A computer, reliable internet connection, cell phone, and reliable cell coverage. Proficiency with use of computer and phone, often simultaneously Ability to multi-task, prioritize action items, and make decisions quickly Ability to interface professionally with clients, partners, and Red Cross volunteers Emotional fortitude to work with clients and volunteers in times of crisis

Despite the current pandemic, our need to provide shelter to individuals and families affected by disaster is vital! To meet the unique challenges and new guidelines of this hurricane/wildfire season, more volunteers than normal are needed to support shelters if the need arises.

The American Red Cross follows all CDC guidelines during this time including keeping 6 feet apart. You will be provided with gloves, masks and sanitizer.

Volunteers are needed to support the day-to-day activities within a shelter which may include working in reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information, or other areas within a shelter.

Free online training will be provided

In these challenging times Bilingual Caseworkers are needed to support clients who have been affected by a disaster by providing referrals for assistance, goods and services to help them get back on their feet.

Responsibilities:

Conduct client interviews Assess qualifications for assistance Use Client Assistance software to document the assistance and services provided Assist with recovery planning, problem solving and advocacy on request Provide clients with information and referrals to community partners Option to work remotely Training provided

Qualifications:

Be kind, caring, resourceful and knowledgeable Basic data entry and computer skills Comfortable making phone calls to clients and following up as needed

Are you a licensed medical professional?  We need health care workers to provide assistance and healthcare to shelter residents as needed.  Free online training will be provided.  If the need arises, volunteers are asked to commit to local shifts of 4,8 or 12 hours each.  License required: RN, LPN, LVN, EMT, Paramedic, MD, DO, PA, NP, APRN.

If you have supervisory experience, we are also looking for individuals to fill Health Services Supervisor positions.

We will insist on following all local guidelines, do everything possible to limit capacity, enforce social distancing and provide all necessary Personal Protective Equipment. 

Sites will be determined by need.