Needs From: Volunteer East Tennessee

Volunteer to provide emergency mental health care to survivors of disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or home fires.

This important volunteer role will respond to local disasters and provide Disaster Mental Health (DMH) services to clients and Red Cross workers during preparedness, response, and recovery within a chapter or region following local disasters.

This position is responsible for responding during local emergencies to provide Disaster Mental Health interventions and help facilitate long-term recovery for clients impacted by a disaster and assist the chapter in developing partnerships with local mental health agencies.

Experience and up to date credentials are required for this particular role. All Red Cross training will be provided during onboarding. 

Disasters don't have schedules. That is why we work with our volunteer workforce based on need as well as their availability.

This role can be virtual or in person.

Provide assistance to meet disaster-caused emergency health needs such as loss of medications, medical equipment, treatment, and health recovery information to victims of disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and home fires.

What does a Disaster Health Services team do?
• Disaster Health Services teams address the unmet disaster-related
health needs of impacted individuals, families and communities

Provides hands on care within RN-led model Provides health assessments and guidance to clients Provides assistance with replacement of medication, durable medical equipment, glasses, dentures and other medical supplies (items lost in disaster) Supports individuals with disabilities and functional and access needs Supplements the community healthcare delivery system if needed

You can support local families virtually from the comfort of your home or serve a 2 week deployment at large sale disaster operations.

A Tennessee professional license is required.

Disasters are happening more often and hitting harder, which means the need for trained volunteers is more important than ever. If you've ever thought about stepping up and supporting Red Cross shelters, whether here in Tennessee or across the country, now’s the perfect time to get ready.

Volunteer now to be a shelter hero!

Here's what you'll do:

Provide comfort and support to people who have been displaced from their homes during disasters Assist with various tasks at the shelter including welcoming guests, registration, serving meals and providing information/resources Receive free online training to prepare you for the role

Qualifications:

Must be willing and able to volunteer in-person at disaster shelters before, during and/or after a disaster Capable of meeting physical requirements such as lifting 20 pounds, sitting or standing for 2-hour periods, walking 2 miles during a shift and climbing stairs For local disasters, commit to multiple shifts lasting 4-12 hours each. If you choose to work disasters outside your area, commit to 14 consecutive days with shifts of 8 or 12 hours Adaptability and patience to work in a dynamic environment where priorities may change frequently

Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve those in need.