The role of the Disaster Mental Health Service Associate (SA) or Worker is to serve as a member of a temporary work unit on a disaster relief operation to provide disaster mental health support to individuals and families who have been impacted by a disaster.
- Support the emotional health of individuals, families, communities and Red Cross workers through the use of disaster mental health interventions.
- Assist in developing partnerships with local mental health agencies.
- Facilitate long-term recovery for clients by providing disaster mental health support and connection to local resources.
- Be available to provide disaster mental health support to staff as necessary.
Qualifications:
- Willingness to comply with Red Cross COVID-19 policies for in-person volunteer activities.
- CURRENTLY LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS: At minimum, holds a Master’s Degree in one of the mental health professions listed below; and Holds a current, unencumbered license from, or is registered with, any U.S. state or territory as a social worker, psychologist, professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, or psychiatrist (any level license/registration, including non-clinical licenses such as Licensed Masters Social Worker or LMSW)
- CURRENT SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS AND SCHOOL COUNSELORS: At minimum, holds a master’s degree in school psychology or school counseling; and Holds a current, unencumbered license or certification as a school psychologist or school counselor issued by an appropriate state board.
- CURRENT PSYCHIATRIC NURSES: Have a state license as a registered nurse; and Have a minimum of two years of experience working in a psychiatric setting, verified by a letter from a current or previous employer.
Required:
- A current, unencumbered license in at least one of the following professions:
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)*
- Paramedic*
- Medical Doctor (MD)
- Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)
- Physician Assistant (PA)
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
- Minimum 18 years of age
- Valid Driver’s License (required for Divisional and National Deployments)
- Willing and able to volunteer in person in a disaster shelter before, during and/or after a disaster event
- Available to sign up for shifts on consecutive days (shifts may be 8 or 12 hours long)
- Ability to read, write, and follow verbal and written instructions in English
