Are you looking for an opportunity to make a real difference in the community? Do you want to gain new skills and experiences? Are you passionate about empowering communities to prepare for and recover from disasters? The American Red Cross is currently seeking five individuals to serve as full-time Disaster Corps AmeriCorps members beginning between now and February 15th for a 1700-hour term through December 31, 2018.
Though these positions will be based out of the American Red Cross Chicago office, members will have the opportunity to train for and respond to disasters across the state of Illinois.
POSITION SUMMARY: 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.
BENEFITS:
· Invaluable experience from a nationally and internationally-respected organization for school, a future job or new career
· Living stipend paid bi-weekly ($15,500 annual total)
· Training and development opportunities with real-life professional applicability
· Basic Health Insurance for AmeriCorps member
· Subsidized childcare
· Student loan forbearance (on qualifying loans)
REQUIREMENTS:
· Willing to deploy at short notice for a period of up to two weeks at a time in support of disaster operations across the state
· Successfully serve in the position, serve 35 hours a week, and meet the 1700 minimum requirement for a full term of service
· Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
· Must be 18 years of age at the start date of service
· Have a valid Driver's License & clean driving record
· Pass required criminal background checks
· Members should also be comfortable working with a wide variety of people from all walks of life and backgrounds, and respect the American Red Cross fundamental principles.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Speak with, and provide guidance to, large groups of individuals who are seeking ways to meaningfully serve their communities after disaster strikes
- Collaborate with partner agencies (faith-based organizations, government entities, civic groups, and other non-profit organizations) who will be both supporting and receiving the services provided by the Disaster Corps
- Serve as operational and technical support to local jurisdictions’ spontaneous volunteer and donations management plans
- Assist local organizations in the development of volunteer recruitment messaging, volunteer tracking and management plans, and just in time training sessions post disaster
- Complete various in-person and online trainings through the American Red Cross, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, etc.
- Travel on short notice for periods of up to two weeks to disaster sites across Illinois to set up and operate volunteer reception centers and in-kind donation management facilities
- Collaborate with other Corporation for National Service programs in the community, including AmeriCorps*VISTA, and National Senior Service Corps.
- Complete and maintain required records
- Participate in required training activities and regular AmeriCorps meetings: an initial intensive training orientation, three quarterly training and other meetings throughout Illinois as needed
TO APPLY: Applications will be accepted through February 5, 2018, though candidates will be considered on a rolling basis and slots may fill by that date. CLICK HERE to apply online. Please also forward a copy of your resume and any questions to Michelle Bush, Disaster Corps Manager, at michelle.bush@redcross.org.