Disaster Welfare Support Volunteer

Role Overview

Volunteers in the Disaster Welfare and Support Team dedicate their time and skills to assist individuals affected by emergencies and disasters. They engage in a broad range of duties that include assessing community needs, providing psychosocial support, aiding in the distribution of essential household items, and assisting evacuees at civil defence centres.

Location and Deployment

Training and operations primarily occur locally; however, volunteers should be prepared to be deployed anywhere in New Zealand in response to emergencies or training requirements.

Training Requirements

• Completion of comprehensive first aid training over two days
• Psychosocial first aid training, one day
• Deployment training spanning two days

Volunteer Commitments

• Availability for deployment with a readiness to be rostered when necessary
• Willingness to travel nationwide for emergencies and training
• A commitment period of at least 12 months
• Acceptance of challenging working conditions
• Successful clearance of a police background check
• Adherence to principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, including partnership, participation, and protection

Essential Qualities

• Teamwork and collaboration skills, including participation in team activities and ability to work with diverse groups
• Capable of following direction and functioning effectively within a team
• Resilience under difficult conditions
• Exemplary care and commitment aligned with Red Cross principles and code of conduct
• Proactive identification and response to the needs of affected individuals
• Effective communication and influencing abilities consistent with organisational objectives
• Ability to foster positive relationships with other teams and external agencies

Time Commitment

• Attendance at a minimum of 70% of team trainings and exercises annually
• Participation in team meetings as scheduled locally
• Deployment durations may be up to seven days, including travel, with the possibility of additional rotations

Additional Requirements

A police background check must be successfully completed.

Application Process

Interested candidates should express their interest by completing the initial form to receive further details and guidance on how to proceed.