American Red Cross Disaster Services Recovery Casework Internship

Reports to: Disaster Program Specialist/Manager

Location: Virtual or Hybrid

Status: Part-Time, weekly hours flexible.

Compensation: Unpaid. May meet requirements for college internship credits – students should review with their program advisor to determine if this internship will count for credit for their program.

Hours: Due to high level of training necessary, internship should be at least 150+ working hours total. Must be able to make a full semester (summer, fall, or spring) commitment. Full-year/consecutive semester internships are possible and welcome.

Background:

An internship with the American Red Cross provides experience with one of the most respected, recognizable, and remarkable humanitarian brands in the world. The American Red Cross is part of the history of this country. The Red Cross is dedicated to helping people in need throughout the United States and, in association with other Red Cross networks, throughout the world. We depend on the many generous contributions of time, blood, and money from the American public to support our lifesaving services. The Indiana Region of the American Red Cross will offer you a window into the world of our five service lines:

• Disaster Cycle Services

• Biomedical (Blood Services)

• Training Services

• Service to the Armed Forces (SAF)

• International Services

Summary:

We are looking for a highly self-motivated intern to focus on supporting our Disaster Cycle Services (DCS) line of service. Students pursuing degrees in Social Work, Nonprofit Management, Public Health, or Communication, are ideal candidates, but internships in this department may match a variety of academic and career interests.

We are seeking an intern who is not afraid to take the initiative in leading a program/project, has strong communication skills (verbal and written) and will bring ideas to the table to enhance our efforts.

Our organization will provide you with immeasurable leadership, communications, and administrative experience that will deeply broaden your knowledge and skills in a nonprofit environment. Interns may also assist with other service lines to provide the intern with a broad understanding of the Red Cross.

Performance Dimensions of Tasks

Key Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Become fully-trained as a Disaster Action Team (DAT) Member/Service Associate.

• Become fully-trained in the DCS online casework platform.

• Become fully-trained as a Mass Care Shelter Service Associate.

• Primary responsibility will involve joining the casework team and supporting the client casework process overall. This includes responsibilities such as following-up directly with clients, providing follow-up assistance to clients, tracking and organizing cases, and improving recovery and community referral processes.

• Support the Marion County DAT team in acting as local dispatcher and/or DAT responder. Further support in our outlying county coverage possible as candidate transportation and schedule allows.

• Support the daily administrative functions of the disaster staff through answering questions, following up with clients and community members, and supporting chapter events.

Administrative Program Support:

• DCS has two other programs that provide further opportunities of engagement depending on a candidate’s schedule and interests:

o Pillowcase Project: Become trained and help present disaster and home fire safety in schools focusing on grades 3 – 5.

• Other administrative tasks to support program

• Represent the Red Cross in a professional manner that is consistent with our mission and international principles.

Qualifications:

• Technical Competence

o Candidate should be comfortable with calling clients and community members.

o Candidates should be comfortable with computer databases, and flexible to learn new programs.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills, along with strict attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines proactively.

Benefits of an internship with the Red Cross:

o Opportunity to provide hands-on, direct support to clients and community members

o Work with dedicated staff and volunteers

o Flexible schedule

o Top Brand exposure

o Opportunities to network with community organizations, businesses, universities, and government organizations

How to Apply:

Email Resume and Cover Letter to redcrossrecruitsin@redcross.org , include “Disaster Cycle Services Internship” in subject line.