Disaster Corps members will support impacted communities with spontaneous volunteer management and donation coordination in the event of a local or state disaster. Members will work hand-in-hand with local and state government entities, non-profit organizations, and other community organizations to provide timely and meaningful service opportunities to those seeking to assist their own communities after a disaster strikes. During steady-state operations, Disaster Corps members will work alongside Safe Families AmeriCorps members to provide preparedness programming to adults and youth throughout the Greater Chicago area. Members will also have the opportunity to participate in disaster response efforts on both the local and state-wide level as needed.
Service Activities
Provide guidance to individuals seeking ways to meaningfully serve their communities after disasters • Collaborate with partners (faith-based organizations, governments, civic groups, and other NGOs) who will both support and receive the services provided by the team • Serve as operational and technical support to local jurisdictions’ spontaneous volunteer and donations management plans • Help local organizations develop volunteer recruitment messaging, tracking and management plans, and just in time training sessions post disaster • Complete in-person and online trainings through the American Red Cross, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, etc. • Travel on short notice for up to two weeks to disaster sites across Illinois to set up and operate volunteer reception centers and in-kind donation management facilities • Teach adult and youth preparedness programming in Greater Chicago • Participate in training and regular AmeriCorps meetings throughout Illinois as needed.
Community Need Addressed
Disaster Corps members will support impacted communities with spontaneous volunteer management and donation coordination in the event of a local or state disaster. Members will work hand-in-hand with local and state government entities, non-profit organizations, and other community organizations to provide timely and meaningful service opportunities to those seeking to assist their own communities after a disaster strikes.
Position Outcomes
AmeriCorps members make our communities safer, stronger, healthier, and improve the lives of tens of millions of our most vulnerable citizens.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Education Benefits
College Degree
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment