Disaster Care Specialist
Listed on 2026-08-02
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Social Work
Community Health, Human Services/ Social Work, Community Support Services, Crisis Counselor
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
This position works one-on-one with survivors to assess needs, develop recovery plans, connect them to resources, and support their progress toward achieving pre-disaster levels of stability and well-being. This role is central to long-term recovery efforts and reflects the collaborative, community-based model. Services may be provided both in the office and in community-based settings. The position works closely with a wide range of community supports and service systems.
EligibilityRequirements
This position is funded through a workforce recovery grant and is limited to individuals who meet one or more of the following eligibility criteria: individuals who have been temporarily or permanently laid off due to an emergency or disaster; dislocated workers; long-term unemployed individuals; or self-employed individuals who became unemployed or significantly underemployed as a result of an emergency or disaster.
The selected candidate will be required to meet eligibility requirements and enroll as a Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant participant as a condition of employment.
Qualified candidates who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply. Depending on program needs and funding, this opportunity may be filled as one full-time position (37.5 hours per week) or multiple part-time positions.
JOB DUTIES andRESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
- Conduct comprehensive disaster-related needs assessments with individuals and families.
- Identify unmet needs directly caused or worsened by the disaster.
- Build supportive, professional relationships with survivors to facilitate trust and effective case planning.
- Develop individualized recovery plans that outline goals, required resources, and steps toward achieving pre-disaster stability.
- Assist survivors in determining short- and long-term recovery priorities.
- Monitor progress and adjust plans as needed.
- Provide information and referrals to local, state, federal, and nonprofit resources.
- Assist clients in applying for public benefits, financial assistance, and community-based support programs.
- Advocate on behalf of survivors with service providers, agencies, and recovery partners.
- Coordinate with Long Term Recovery Groups, VOAD partners, and community organizations to ensure holistic support.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and complete case files in accordance with DR-DWG and TEGL 09-24 requirements.
- Document all disaster-related services, referrals, and client interactions, while maintaining appropriate documentation, billing, and data.
- Ensure all activities fall within allowable disaster-relief scope and do not duplicate services provided by other agencies.
- Participate in recovery meetings, case coordination sessions, and community outreach events.
- Serve as a liaison between survivors and recovery partners.
- Represent the program and agency professionally in interactions with stakeholders, partners, and the public.
Education & Experience
- High School Diploma or GED/HSE minimum required.
- Experience in case management, social services, disaster response, or related fields required.
- Knowledge of community resources, public benefits, and social-service systems.
- AA/BA/BS Degree in Social Services or related field preferred.
- Or a combination of education/experience meeting required job qualifications.
- Valid driver’s license and auto liability insurance required for work related travel.
- Certified Peer Counselor Certificate preferred.
- Training necessary (within 1 year of hire):
Trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, Blood borne Pathogens, First Aid/CPR, Safety, Mandated Reporting, Confidentiality, HIPAA, Crisis Intervention, and De-Escalation.
- Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) desired; additional languages helpful.
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