The role of the Disaster Mental Health Service Associate (SA) or Worker is to serve as a member of a 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:
- 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:
- Good organizational skills, responsible and punctual.
- Demonstrated active listening skills.
- Demonstrated ability to implement Standards and Procedures and follow associated job tools including reporting requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to interact with community members in a clear compassionate manner.
- Demonstrated ability to involve appropriate others in managing problems and conflict.
- Ability to acquire, evaluate and report information accurately.
- Demonstrated ability to provide interfaith support while respecting the principles of neutrality and impartiality.
- Customer Focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
- Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
- Values Differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
- Ability to lift/carry 30 lbs. multiple times per shift.
- Ability to stand and/or site for 2-hour periods.
- Ability to walk on uneven terrain and/or walk for two miles per shift.
- Ability to bend or stoop multiple times per shift.
- Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather.
- Ability to spend hours writing, speak clearly on phone, read small print for extended periods and work for long periods on computer.
- Climb two or more flights of stairs.
- Drive in daytime and evening.
Time Commitment Locally – Monthly shift calendar available to support local disaster responses.
All volunteers are encouraged to sign up for a minimum of one shift per month.
Disaster deployment both in and outside of Wisconsin Region (optional): Minimum 2 week commitment working 10- or 12-hour shifts.
