Emergency Disaster Services Specialist

salvationarmyca; Abbotsford; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army BC Division seeks an Emergency Disaster Services Specialist to coordinate 24/7 disaster response, lead training for EDS personnel and volunteers, and provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support to affected communities.

The role emphasizes preparedness, planning, and recovery, requiring strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills across a broad geographic area. Experience with emergency services is essential.

Qualifications

• Completion of a formal post-secondary/college program in disaster and emergency management; undergraduate degree an asset.
• First Aid / CPR certification is required.
• Diploma or certificate in disaster and emergency management an asset.
• Minimum of two years frontline experience in emergency planning or frontline work with disaster survivors.
• Strong knowledge of prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery principles.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate 24/7 Emergency Disaster Services response activities across the BC Division to ensure timely and effective support during emergencies and disasters.
• Deliver training programs and learning opportunities for EDS personnel and volunteers.
• Provide compassionate emotional, spiritual, and pastoral care, connecting clients with supports and resources.
• Facilitate access to immediate emergency assistance (food, water, clothing, etc.) for affected individuals and families.
• Maintain operational readiness of EDS vehicles, equipment, and assets for rapid deployment.
• Develop regional response strategies and materials to strengthen disaster preparedness and service delivery.
• Lead and support volunteers and personnel during deployments with safety and coordination.
• Monitor program administration including budget input, reporting, compliance, and performance.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Organizational skills

Administrative skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Post-secondary/college program in disaster and emergency management

Undergraduate degree (asset)

First Aid / CPR certification

Diploma or certificate in disaster and emergency management (asset)

2+ years frontline emergency planning experience

Knowledge of emergency management principles

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description

Position Purpose: The Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) Specialist exists to support the planning, coordination, and delivery of emergency and disaster response programs across the British Columbia Division. This role helps ensure that individuals, families, and communities affected by disasters receive timely, compassionate, and effective assistance. By strengthening preparedness, response, and recovery efforts, the EDS Specialist advances The Salvation Army's mission of providing practical support and hope to those in need, while enhancing the organization's ability to serve communities across Canada during times of crisis.

Key Accountabilities

• Coordinate 24/7 Emergency Disaster Services response activities across the BC Division to ensure timely and effective support during emergencies and disasters.
• Deliver training programs and learning opportunities that enhance the preparedness, capability, and effectiveness of EDS personnel and volunteers.
• Provide compassionate emotional, spiritual, and pastoral care, connecting clients with appropriate supports and community resources.
• Facilitate access to immediate emergency assistance, including food, water, clothing, and other essential relief supplies for affected individuals and families.
• Maintain operational readiness of EDS vehicles, equipment, and response assets to support rapid and reliable deployment.
• Develop regional response strategies, procedures, and resource materials that strengthen disaster preparedness and service delivery across diverse communities.
• Lead and support volunteers and EDS personnel during deployments, fostering safe, coordinated, and mission-focused response efforts.
• Monitor program administration through budget input, personnel support, reporting, compliance, and performance tracking to ensure accountability and effective program operations.

Education and Experience Qualifications

• Completion of a formal post-secondary/college program of two academic years in disaster and emergency management or a related field. An undergraduate degree will be considered as an asset.
• Successful completion of key National Disaster Training Program courses (Introduction to The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services, Foundations of Emotional & Spiritual Care, Disaster Food Service and Canteen Operations, Incident Command System) or ability to complete within 12 months.
• First Aid / CPR certification.
• Diploma or certificate in disaster and emergency management an asset.
• Minimum of two (2) years' frontline experience in emergency planning and preparedness or other experience in frontline work with survivors of emergency or disaster situations.
• Demonstrated experience in emergency management, with strong knowledge of prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery principles and practices.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with volunteers, community partners, and stakeholders, including coordinating and supporting teams across a broad geographic area.
• Working knowledge of emergency social services, disaster response programs, and community-based support services, with familiarity with Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services and Social Services programs considered an asset.
• Understanding of and commitment to The Salvation Army's mission, values, and culture, with the ability to align daily work and decision-making with organizational objectives.
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety legislation, regulations, and best practices, with a commitment to maintaining safe and compliant work environments.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills, with the ability to assess situations, identify solutions, and manage competing priorities effectively.
• Ability to perform successfully in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, demonstrating resilience, sound judgment, professionalism, integrity, and discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Excellent communication, leadership, organizational, and administrative skills, supported by proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint), active listening abilities, a