The Disaster Disability Integration (DDI) Service Associate (SA) is an operational position and is temporarily assigned to a disaster relief operation (DRO) as part of the Disaster Cycle Services (DCS) Client Care Programs Team. DDI SAs support the mission of the American Red Cross by performing DDI program activities to ensure Red Cross DRO services are accessible for clients with disabilities and meet DDI program standards.
• Conducts accessibility surveys of Red Cross DRO service sites (e.g., evacuation centers, shelters, family assistance centers, etc.).
• Receives DDI referrals and conducts outreach to Red Cross clients who have unmet disaster-related disability needs or are experiencing access barriers to Red Cross services.
• Engages in the interactive accommodation process with Red Cross clients with disabilities experiencing access barriers to DRO services; including coordinating reasonable accommodation as appropriate.
• Assists Red Cross clients with disabilities with getting connected to disability and disaster recovery resources.
• Supports the DDI Supervisor and/or Manager with training the DRO Workforce on DDI program standards and disability accessibility best practices.
• Supports the coordination of Effective Communication services (e.g. video relay service (VRS), on-site interpreting, etc.).
• Educates the DRO workforce on Red Cross Effective Communication job tools.
• Educates the DRO workforce about service and emotional support animal best practices.
• Distributes DDI supplies (e.g. sensory kits, privacy dividers, etc.) and educates clients and DRO workforce on how to use the items.
• Collaborates with DRO activities (e.g. Sheltering, Health Services, Shelter Resident Transition, etc.) to deliver high-quality services.
• Maintains communication and collaboration with DDI Supervisor and/or Manager; including following escalation protocols as appropriate.
• Utilizes Red Cross Technology Systems (e.g. Microsoft Tools, SCIA, etc.) to perform key job responsibilities.
General Responsibilities for all Service Associates:
• Ensure work is carried out in alignment with Red Cross Fundamental Principles and within established guidelines.
• Maintain flexibility in a continuously changing environment in which work priorities may change frequently.
• Participate in all required meetings and review and complete daily tasks and reports.
• Collaborate effectively with others in a disaster environment
• Efficiently handle time-sensitive issues that may arise in the area of responsibility.
• Report the status of assigned responsibilities and tasks as directed.
• Work independently while following the direction of the direct supervisor.
What makes you a great fit?
- Comfortable working independently and within a team
- Ability to work with a broad variety of people with diverse backgrounds
- Ability to have good organizational and time management skills
- Ability to listen actively and work well with others
- Ability to function in a dynamic and stressful environment
- Ability to appropriately involve others in managing problems and conflict
- Ability to acquire, evaluate, and report information accurately
- Valid Driver’s License (required for deployment out of region)
- Willingness to comply with current public health and Red Cross policies
