Volunteer Dispatcher/Duty Officer

ReliefWeb; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Remote; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Volunteer Dispatcher/Duty Officer to join their Disaster Action Team. This role involves receiving initial calls for help, verifying event details, and coordinating responses to assist displaced individuals. Volunteers will enjoy flexible hours and the ability to work remotely after training, making it a rewarding opportunity to support the community in times of need. If you have strong leadership and communication skills and a commitment to making a difference, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for this role.
• Ability to monitor disaster responses and prioritize tasks under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Determine if Red Cross action is required and activate responses.
• Dispatch Disaster Action Team members and document notifications.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Ability to monitor disaster responses

Prioritization skills

Proficiency with online tools

Tools

Client Assistance System (CAS)

RC View

Job description

Join to apply for the Volunteer Dispatcher/Duty Officer role at ReliefWeb.

Organization:

• American Red Cross

Posted 24 Sep 2024 | Closing date 30 Jun 2025

Role: Duty Officer

The Duty Officer is a member of the Disaster Action Team responsible for receiving initial calls for help from the Red Cross Dispatch Center. The individual collects event information, verifies details with local authorities, and determines if a Red Cross response is needed. If so, they coordinate the response team to assist displaced individuals.

This role can be performed remotely after training, requiring a reliable phone and internet connection. Volunteers must be comfortable using online systems to update event statuses.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• Determine if Red Cross action is required and decide on response activation.
• Use event triggers to direct the Disaster Action Team response.
• Collaborate with on-scene leadership to support responses and provide guidance.
• Support and train new Duty Officers.

Functional

• Dispatch Disaster Action Team members and monitor responses.
• Activate additional services as needed (Disaster Health, Mental Health, Spiritual Care, Public Affairs).
• Document disaster notifications and verify events in RC View.
• Maintain access to and use of the Client Assistance System (CAS).
• Monitor multiple responses and communicate significant events to staff.

Availability

Very flexible hours. Volunteers should be available for three 6-hour shifts per month, scheduled during their open availability, day or night.

Qualifications

• Leadership and communication skills.
• Commitment to the American Red Cross mission.
• Ability to monitor and track disaster responses remotely.
• Prioritization skills in stressful situations.
• Proficiency with Red Cross systems and online tools.
• Ability to sit or stand for at least two hours and work long periods on a computer.
• Clear communication skills on the phone and in person.

Work closely with other DAT members to achieve team goals. Once trained, volunteers may remain active as long as they can perform assigned tasks.

How to Apply

Visit www.redcross.org/volunteer and select Apply Now. Create a Red Cross ID and complete the application form.