Community Recovery Specialist

Job Description:

WHY CHOOSE US?

As one of the nation's premier humanitarian organizations, the American Red Cross is dedicated to helping people in need throughout the United States and, in association with other Red Cross networks, throughout the world. When you join our team, you have a direct impact on a meaningful mission, and you can help save lives every day. If you share our passion for helping people, join us in this excellent career opportunity. Work where your career is a force for good.

We are committed to the diversity of our workforce and to delivering our programs and services in a culturally competent manner reflecting the communities we serve. Our work environment is collaborative, respectful, and inclusive with a focus on building allyship and a culture of belonging that empowers all team members. Come to learn, grow, and succeed while sharing your passion for making a difference.

The Red Cross supports a variety of cultural and community resource groups for employees and volunteers. From the Ability Network, our Asian American & Pacific Islander Resource Group, the Latino Resource Group, and Red Cross PRIDE, to the Umoja African American Resource Group, our Veterans+ Resource Group, and the Women's Resource Group, these networks provide connections, mentoring and help give voice to important concerns and opinions.

At the American Red Cross, your uniqueness can shine

We are seeking a temporary Community Recovery Specialist to support our disaster relief efforts in Ashville, NC.

Length of Assignment: 3 - 6 months

Hours: 8-10 hours per day, 6 days per week

No benefits. Need to live within the area; no lodging expense provided.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (Job Overview):

The Community Recovery Specialist will serve as the Red Cross long-term recovery representative in assigned communities. This position will listen to communities to identify and understand unmet disaster-caused needs and explore resources available to meet the needs. Additionally, this position will provide support, training and technical expertise in bringing together organizations and individuals to help communities on the road to recovery. This role will support convening and coordinating a wide variety of community recovery stakeholders, support services, and organizations to better serve the communities affected.

In this role, the Community Recovery Specialist will be assigned to an impacted geography to collaborate with community and government entities and provide subject matter expertise (SME) relating to both Red Cross specific and broader recovery services and processes. The Specialist will also listen to the needs of the community, collecting information on gaps and needs, critical partners operating in recovery, and other information that will help guide Red Cross and community response and recovery programming to better support those affected by the disaster. The Community Recovery Specialist will work in close coordination with other team members, and with other Red Cross stakeholders, including the Region and Division, National Headquarters Disaster Cycle Services (NHQ DCS), Long-Term Recovery Operation team, and the Disaster Response Operation (DRO) structure. The Community Recovery Specialist will work out of DRO HQ if applicable and will itinerate between affected areas as necessary.

The Community Recovery Specialist will perform all duties and responsibilities in compliance with standard operating procedures and within the limits of the Red Cross mission.

WHERE YOUR CAREER IS A FORCE FOR GOOD (Key Responsibilities):

• Ensures that community efforts and Red Cross services reach all affected populations, especially vulnerable and underserved communities

• Represents the Red Cross at community meetings related to recovery in the assigned jurisdiction

• Assesses individual and community recovery needs, and strengthens partnerships with organizations offering recovery resources for disaster-affected households and communities

• Acts as a facilitative leader; collaborates with partners to convene the community and facilitate meetings

• Engages a broad cross-section of internal stakeholders, external partners, government, and community groups to identify and address community resource gaps

• Identifies, documents, and shares long-term recovery information, resources, and SME guidance with relevant internal and external stakeholders

• Supports development of local recovery organizing efforts, such as the stand up of Long-Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs) and other relevant initiatives

• Identifies community concerns and escalates issues to leadership for awareness and early intervention

• Other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED (Minimum Qualifications):

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 5 years of experience with social services or service/program delivery.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent skills in public speaking, coordination, and collaboration.

• Intermediate level proficiency with MS Office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

• Ability to relate well and effectively with diverse groups and individuals.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities with strong skills in planning and problem-solving.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as needed.

• Physical requirements may include the ability to sit or stand for long periods, drive a standard size vehicle and adapt to long, irregular hours, and frequent schedule changes are required

Additional desired skills and abilities:

• Demonstrated familiarity with and expertise in Red Cross Response and Recovery processes and programs, and community/governmental recovery structures.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a matrixed environment, informing various stakeholders of progress and incorporating feedback as needed.

• Experienced in facilitating trainings and providing mentorship support to internal and external stakeholders.

• Ability to interpret program trends, results, and related data to formulate recommendations.

• Experience building and supporting a volunteer workforce.

* Combination of candidate's education and general experience satisfies requirements so long as the total years equate to description's minimum education and general experience years combined (Management experience cannot be substituted).

The American Red Cross is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency that brings people together through service, and its partners - the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps Alums, National Peace Corps Association, and the Service Year Alliance - launched Employers of National Service to connect national service alumni with opportunities in the workforce. American Red Cross is proud to be an EONS partner and share our employment opportunities with the network of organizations.

Interested in Volunteering? Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn more, including our most-needed volunteer positions.

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