Job Description

Job Description:


As an employee at the American Red Cross, you could be on the front lines making a positive impact on our community. You could provide your services directly to the American public or support to the people who do. Both roles help further the mission of the Red Cross. Join our non-profit organization, where your heart and mind go to work!

We are currently seeking a Disaster Program Specialist to work in our West Chester, PA, location, part of our Southeastern PA Region.

Job Summary:

The Disaster Program Specialist is responsible for the implementation of the disaster services program in Chester and Delaware Counties.

The Disaster Program Specialist (DPS) is responsible for taking full cycle responsibility to provide service delivery programs within a subset of the Disaster Program Managers assigned Chester and Delaware Counties and under the supervision and authority of the DPM. The DPS will accomplish this responsibility largely through the support, development and operational guidance of a team of trained volunteer leaders, volunteers and partners, as well as participate in the implementation and development of initiatives to increase Red Cross visibility through program/service delivery.

These functions are performed under the direction of the Disaster Program Manager with technical support from the region and division. This position reports directly to the Disaster Program Manager and will work closely with, and receives technical guidance from program support functions at the regional level. The DPS may serve in capacity as Disaster Program Manager when the DPM is unavailable.

Responsibilities

1. Program Service Development & Support: Facilitates in and supports the development and implementation of strategies, initiatives, tools, plans, processes and procedures within a functional area, or oversees the full disaster cycle, through the development of volunteer leadership. Analyzes opportunities for improved program service and recommends to DPM for implementation.

Functional areas may include: Mass Care, Client Casework, Health & Mental Health Services, Logistics, Information Management & Situational Awareness, Partnerships & Emergency Management, Workforce Development, Preparedness, General Volunteer Support & Engagement, or Home Fire Campaign.

If providing full-cycle management, the DPS will manage the implementation of the disaster services program in an assigned geographic territory that is a sub-territory of the supervising DPMs jurisdiction. The DPS will accomplish this through the support, development and operational guidance of a team of trained volunteer leaders, volunteers, and partners that will stand ready to deliver the services of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery programs in the assigned sub-territory.

Implements assigned programs or services to meet the programmatic goals of DCS within the region.

This position operates as part of a regional Disaster Cycle Services team and may be called to support local preparation, response and recovery activities as well as maintaining government partnerships with assigned territory. Additionally, the DPS assists with a broader division and national network of disaster responders and will be asked to help with deployments and relief operation activity outside their immediate region. This may include physical deployment to impacted communities.

2. Volunteer Program Management, Engagement and Support: Engages and develops a primarily volunteer team responsible for the implementation of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery programs in the local area. Ensures the development of Disaster Leadership Volunteers in each of the assigned program support functional areas of the disaster cycle in order to meet the needs of the assigned geography.

3. Local Planning, Training Development, Community Outreach: Develops and participates in local planning and exercises. Develops and conducts training, including exercises called by local partners Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster, Emergency Management Agencies and Local Emergency Planning Committees (VOADs, EMAs and LEPCs). May evaluate and report effectiveness of program or service. Prepares recommendations for continuous improvement.

Serves as the Red Cross thought leader as needed with local level with government and other agencies and organizations involved in disaster. Key representative of Red Cross in the community, interfacing with local officials and developing plans with community leaders. Ensures activities are in compliance with regional and national procedures and policies.
Qualifications

Education: Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years experience with social services or service/program delivery. Ability to coordinate staff and volunteer activities. Ability to interpret program trends, results, and related data to formulate recommendations. Ability to manage multiple priorities with strong skills in planning and problem solving.

Management Experience: Minimum of 6 months to one year supervisory experience preferred.

Skills and Abilities: Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Develops project plans & budgets. Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of program or service. Demonstrated ability in creating presentations and developing training modules. Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals. Demonstrated analytical and decision- making skills to develop creative processes for continuous program or service improvements. Demonstrated analytical and decision-making skills to develop creative processes for continuous program or service improvements. Proven track record of collaboration, facilitation, problem solving, marketing, leadership, and partnership management. Additionally, this position requires ability for planning, public speaking, project management and process improvement. Individual must be customer oriented, organized, and able to operate with an orientation toward solutions with an external focus, and team orientation.

Other: Intermediate level proficiency with MS Office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Familiarity with federal, state, and local employment laws.

Must be able to perform all assigned responsibilities under grey sky requirements. This position is also responsible for ensuring that all American Red Cross finance policies and procedures are followed as related to the scope of work activity. All full time disaster employees must be willing and able to be deployed, as needed.

Travel: Will involve travel; valid driver's license required.



Apply now! Joining our team will provide you with the opportunity to make a difference every day.

The American Red Cross is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.



Interested in Volunteering?

Lifes emergencies dont stop, and neither do American Red Cross volunteers, who represent more than 90 percent of our workforce to help prevent and alleviate human suffering. You can make a difference by volunteering in a position that appeals to you and allows you to use your unique skills and talents. The Red Cross relies on generous volunteers who give their time and talent to help fulfill our lifesaving mission.

Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn more, including our most-needed volunteer positions.

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