Field Services Specialist - Tyler, TX

Job Summary: Responsible for disaster readiness and response activities by initiating and maintaining capacity building strategies to meet Sheltering (SH), Disaster Assessment (DA), Disaster Action Team (DAT), and Government Operations (LG) readiness levels in the assigned geographic area. In addition, develops and maintains appropriate and effective volunteer strategies to foster member and team development so that volunteers are empowered and engaged in carrying out the mission of the American Red Cross. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • In collaboration with a volunteer partner builds on call shelter teams to support recurrent disasters with a focus on shelter managers and supervisors. This includes team member development, leadership development, and initiating response for the SH activity during a disaster relief operation. • In collaboration with Mass Care Program Manager identifies new mass care shelter facilities throughout the assigned geographic area as needed. Will ensure that all required documents (shelter agreements, shelter surveys, and other related forms and agreements) are maintained as outlined in local policies. • In collaboration with a volunteer partner builds DAT teams to support recurrent disasters with a focus on leadership positions. • Responsible for 24/7 response capabilities throughout the assigned geographic area. This includes serving as staff support to the DAT program (Daytime and After Hours) as needed. • Ensures consistent, quality casework is provided to all disaster clients during the initial response. • Ensures that the DAT program is handled in accordance with NHQ policies and locally established procedures. • Ensures initial casework from DAT responses is entered in Client Assistance System database in a timely manner and all related paperwork is distributed according to local policy. In addition, works with CLS Program Manager to follow up with clients after the initial response as needed. • In collaboration with CLS Program Manager ensures that findings from the monitoring and review process are handled in a timely basis and that all DAT members receive timely feedback on performance in accordance with local feedback guidelines. • In collaboration with a volunteer partner builds Government Operations (LG) and Disaster Assessment (DA) teams to support the geographic readiness level. • In collaboration with ER/IP Program Manager, builds community partnerships that will enhance utilization of a diverse volunteer base that support initial response activities. • Serve as “Relationship Manager” with all local city and county emergency management relationships in the assigned geographic area to promote partner awareness of Emergency Services programs. • In collaboration with ER/IP Program Manager, ensure all emergency managers understand the role of Red Cross Disaster Services in their jurisdictions through ongoing meetings, exercise participation and other means. • Participates in community events to increase visibility and presence in the assigned geographic area. Collaborate with other departments and programs (within or outside of Emergency Services) to facilitate requests from the community on Red Cross programs. • Works closely with Logistics area to ensure that equipment needs for Shelter, DA, LG and DAT programs are available on 24 hours basis. • In collaboration with volunteer management staff, ensures volunteer needs for the Sheltering, DA, LG and DAT activ