Organisation

Red Cross Dunedin

Purpose

The mission of New Zealand Red Cross is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilising the power of humanity and enhancing community resilience.

Description

Support your community before and during an emergency. Join the Dunedin Disaster Welfare and Support Team and help people prepare for disasters and get through when an emergency or disaster happens.

You could be deployed to assist in a flood, fire or other large-scale emergencies, and you’ll help with a range of activities that could include:

• Setting up and providing support in evacuation centres

• Undertaking needs assessments to understand what support people need

• Providing psychosocial support

You’ll receive training in comprehensive first aid, psychological first aid, welfare support, and other essential skills for the role. Their teams train regularly and sometimes take part in scenario-based exercises with other response teams.

You need to be physically fit, a good communicator and able to commit to your team for at least 12 months – some of their volunteers have been with us for more than 20 years. You'll need to follow their Health, Safety and Wellbeing policies and procedures, which will be advised during training.

The Disaster Welfare and Support Team is excited to expand, and they invite you to apply and join their waitlist for the next intake in July (to be confirmed). By applying today, you will be among the first to receive updates about upcoming opportunities in 2025. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something great!

If you have any questions, please express interest below and Red Cross will get in contact.

Requirements

This would suit someone who:

• Is reliable and committed to attending training sessions and event support for at least one year.

• Has the ability to deploy for up to 5 days with potential travel days added on either side, and able to travel to support other teams when responding to emergencies.

• Is willing to undertake a Police check.

• Has a good level of fitness.

• Is aged 18+ (or at least 16 years old with parental consent and restrictions on deployment).

• Has a driver's license (preferred)

Time commitment

• The Dunedin team trains on a Wednesday evening from 7 pm- 9 pm.

• There are some weekend opportunities with supporting community events or joint training exercises.

• Volunteers need to be available to deploy for up to five days (excluding travel days) and able to travel to support other teams when responding to emergencies. Often employers see value in the training the team members receive and proudly support their staff in the welfare disaster team to enable them to remain flexible during emergencies.

How to apply

For more information email Phoebe, volunteerapplications@redcross.org.nz

Please CC in volunteer@otago.ac.nz into your application email. Also, we have a great email template and helpful tips on making an effective application here: https://www.unicrewotago.org/aboutpriceless