Job Summary: 
The Personal Disaster Assistance (PDA) Team is activated to respond and provide assistance for up to the first 72 hours following a disaster.  
 
Responsibility 1. Disaster Response 
Activities: 
• Conduct client needs assessments to determine immediate, short and long-term needs of clients; 
• Provide appropriate services based on the Technical Standards and the National Disaster Assistance Guidelines; 
• Provide referrals to partner agencies and other community based groups; 
• Communicate and report on progress, as appropriate, to the PDA Supervisor; 
• Provide comfort to clients; 
• Complete necessary paperwork (i.e. Goods and Services Vouchers, Client Needs Assessments and others as appropriate); 
• Communicate complex cases to PDA Supervisor for provision of appropriate case management services; 
• Participate in operational debriefings and provide suggestions for improvement. 
 
Responsibility 2. Preparedness Activities 
Activities: 
• Actively engage in team preparedness activities including emergency planning and kit preparedness; 
• Attend meetings as required; 
• Support PDA Supervisor in materials/inventory management; 
• Support with supplier agreements, as appropriate; 
• Support the PDA Supervisor in planning and organizing services.

The Personal Disaster Assistance Team is activated to respond and provide assistance for up to the first 72 hours following a disaster. The PDA supervisor will supervise a team of PDA responders at the local level. The PDA Supervisor will provide, as appropriate, direct aid assessment for delivery of ESS services for relief, referral services, and/or recovery assistance, as well as, be responsible for planning and organizing ongoing preparedness activities. They may be asked to deliver services during a large-scale emergency. The PDA Supervisor may be asked to represent Disaster Management on cross-functional working groups.  
  
Responsibilities/Activities:  
Responsibility 1. Disaster Response  
Activities:  
• Assess and determine the scope of impact and the necessary resources needed to address the needs (i.e. one time assistance or complex support) and report back to the designated point of contact;  
• Conduct client needs assessment to determine immediate, short and long-term needs of clients;  
• Provide referrals to partner agencies and other community based groups;  
• Liaise with the fire protection services or other local authorities, as appropriate;  
• Ensure compliance and provide ongoing feedback to PDA Responders during a response based on the Technical Standards and the National Disaster Assistance Guidelines;  
• Facilitate operational briefings and debriefings during a response;  
• Communicate, report on progress and evaluate the provision of the services, as appropriate to the designated point of contact;  
• Provide timely formal and informal performance feedback to volunteers that report directly to the PDA Supervisor;  
• Complete necessary paperwork (i.e. Goods and Services Vouchers, Client Needs Assessment forms and Response Reports)  
  
Responsibility 2. Preparedness Activities  
Activities:  
• Participate in the recruitment of PDA team members  
• Participate in PDA team member orientation & scheduling of training  
• Coordinate team member availability and the team’s on-call schedule  
• Ensure that supplier agreements are completed and updated annually  
• Ensure response supplies are properly stocked and available  
• Prepare and facilitate regular team meetings;  
• Develop and update the response plan;  
• Promote and ensure compliance with Red Cross directives and Technical Standards;  
• Ensure availability of team members for responding 24 hours a day;  
• Manage response equipment. Candidates under consideration will be contacted. 

As a volunteer in this role, you will: 

• Assist with client intakes.
• Oversee and ensure smooth operation of the reception area at the office, including acting as first point of contact with the public.  
• Reply to general enquiries, information requests and voicemails, and direct incoming calls.  
• Provide access to the building, handle and relay couriers/deliveries, electronic and physical filing, and receive and process donations. 
• Support new personnel with onboarding and building orientations. 
• Support Supervisors/Managers with the general operation of administrative functions and special projects as needed. 
• Provide information and referrals on Canadian Red Cross services, programs, and volunteer opportunities.