Under the direction of the Disaster Program Manager, the Disaster Cycle Services (DCS) Associate is responsible for the successful development, coordination, and overall growth of the Disaster Preparedness Education Services program within their defined service site chapter. The DCS Associate will assist in all phases of the disaster cycle: Preparedness, Response, and Recovery. Members will also participate in activities related to volunteer recruitment and management, professional development training, networking opportunities, and community engagement activities.
Service Activities
• Facilitate at least 12 preparedness education presentations per month, educating community members about disaster preparedness.
• Act as a member of the Disaster Action Team (DAT), responding to local emergencies such as single-family fires.
• Coordinate Red Cross involvement in community events and attend events.
• Manage the Preparedness Education program, which includes outreach, scheduling presentations, and coordinating volunteers
• Prepare and edit Preparedness Education materials as necessary
• Train and facilitate all PE volunteers and keep a detailed calendar of PE presentations available to volunteers
• Assist the Disaster Program Manager in the coordination of the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign which includes outreach, media, planning events, recruiting volunteers, scheduling appointments, and coordinating home visits to install free smoke alarms in the community
• Participate in service projects on three (3) National Days of Service (MLK Day, 9/11 Day of Remembrance, and National AmeriCorps Week)
• Participate in professional development trainings
• Work directly with clients in recovery support, completing casework and ensuring that their immediate and long-term needs are met or coordinated
Community Need Addressed
Together We Prepare AmeriCorps members are responsible for improving the capacity of communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters in locations across Michigan. In addition to preparedness education, members provide direct assistance to individuals experiencing disaster. Together We Prepare AmeriCorps members are responsible for increasing the number of Michigan residents prepared for disasters, both large and small. The members will also leverage an additional 400 volunteers annually who will be engaged in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
Position Outcomes
1. Provide disaster preparedness education to 10,500 community members.
2. Provide direct home fire smoke alarms and education to 3,300 residents
3. Reduce the number of deaths and injuries occurring from disasters, including home fires and natural disasters.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
As a Together We Prepare AmeriCorps member, the American Red Cross provides all training required to complete assigned duties in a combination of web-based and instructor-led trainings. This includes a two-year CPR/First/AED certification. Further training in disaster preparedness and response that pertain to each member's interests are available at no cost to the member.
Education Benefits
College Degree, Credential or Certification
2-Year CPR/First Aid/AED Adult & Pediatric Certification, other disaster-specific trainings, Life After AmeriCorps trainings
Skills you will gain
CPR/First Aid/AED, Public Speaking, Time Management, Event Planning, Conflict Resolution, Community Engagement, Volunteer Management, Non-Profit Management, Disaster Preparedness Knowledge, Teamwork
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
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