BECOME A MEMBER
CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
SPECIALTY VOLUNTEERS
TRAININGS OFFERED


BECOME A MEMBER

VOAD/Citizen Corps offers members of your organization free disaster trainings. Get peace of mind knowing your members are prepared before a disaster strikes and can look after themselves and their families post-disaster.

Our trainers can do on-site training for groups of 15+ at your location of choice. Or if you prefer, we can train several of your members as VOAD/Citizen Corps trainers so you can train new members as they come aboard.

The first step is for members to take the three-hour VOAD/Citizen Corps basic training: Preparing for and Responding to Disasters.

VOAD/Citizen Corps basic training includes:

• Overview of VOAD & Citizen Corps
• Impacts of Disasters
• Introduction to Disasters
• Disaster Preparedness
• Fire Safety
• Flood Safety
• Introduction to Mass Care
• Introduction to Shelter Operations

After completing this course, members are then able to take further free trainings such as: CPR certification by the American Red Cross, First Aid certification by the American Red Cross, Sheltering in Your Community, Psychological First Aid, Public Health Points of Dispensing (POD) Training (for pandemic response) and more.

Members are also eligible for a range of volunteer opportunities, including:

• Participating in disaster drills and practice exercises
• Program/office support
• Participating in walkthroughs
• Representing VOAD at health fairs and community events
• Become certified to teach the VOAD basic training
• Assisting in supply drives
• Presenting to the community about VOAD
• Assembling disaster kits for your community or agency
• Contributing a story or photograph to the VOAD newsletter

To schedule a training for your organization, contact eastbuc@redcross-philly.org.

If you are an individual, please contact clingerta@redcross-philly.org.

CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Office Assistant
Office assistant needed for volunteer position with Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) at 2221 Chestnut St. in Philadelphia.  We are willing to work with you to determine an appropriate schedule.  We are looking for someone available 1-3 days a week during business hours.

Duties will include event planning, data entry, processing and creating photo IDs, calling volunteers and organizations, and other office-oriented tasks.  The office assistant will also have the option of responding to small local disasters alongside American Red Cross volunteers during their scheduled hours.  Disaster response includes meeting with clients and completing casework. 

Requirements:  Basic office, phone, and computer skills are necessary for this position.  You will be working with Microsoft Excel and learning a handful of computer software programs used to track volunteers and create IDs.

To interview for this position, please call Tania Clinger at 215.299.0143.

SPECIALTY VOLUNTEERS

Pennsylvania licensed medical/mental health workers and clergy members:  The American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania needs you!
In addition to being a VOAD volunteer, you have the opportunity to use your special skills and certifications to help one of our partners in preparedness and response: the American Red Cross.  Opportunities are available in both national deployments and local on-call response.

Specialty volunteers work in Health Services, Mental Health Services and Spriritual Care.  If you’re interested in becoming an American Red Cross Specialty Volunteer, please contact Naomi Mirowitz at mirowitzn@redcross-philly.org.

TRAININGS OFFERED

Basic Training
During this three-hour course, new SEPA VOAD volunteers learn important personal preparedness skills, are introduced to responding to disasters alongside the American Red Cross, and are credentialed to respond to local large-scale disasters.  Interested volunteers are able to become Basic Training Instructors after a daylong course.

Adult CPR/AED and First Aid
VOAD and Citizen Corps volunteers receive free American Red Cross certifications in Adult CPR and AED (Automated External Defibrillator), which lasts for one year.  Volunteers also receive First Aid, which is a three-year certification.

American Red Cross Emergency Services Courses
VOAD and Citizen Corps volunteers are eligible to participate in selected emergency services courses.  In the past, these have included Shelter Operations, Logistics, Public Affairs, and others.

Animals in Disaster: Domesticated Animals
This training gives pet owners the tools to prepare for their pets before a disaster strikes.  Attendees learn how to prepare for specific types of animals and what steps to take to be certain their pet is properly cared for during a disaster.

Be Red Cross Ready
This course is delivered in partnership with the American Red Cross.  A one-hour basic disaster preparedness course, this is often used to introduce a group to disaster preparedness and interest them in VOAD. 

Call Center Training
SEPA VOAD volunteers can receive Call Center Training, which enables them to work in the local American Red Cross Call Center during a disaster.  Volunteers answer phones, complete casework, and disperse information.

Client Casework:
Long-Term Reli