Specialist- Emergency Disaster Services

The EDS Specialist assists with the planning and delivery of the Emergency Disaster Services program within the BC Division.

HOURS:

• 15 hours a week

Accountabilities:

• Service Responsibilities
  1. In cooperation with the Divisional Director of EDS, assist with the provision of 24-hour 7 days a week Emergency Disaster Services for the BC Division as situations and/or the Government MOU dictate.
  2. Participate in the organizing and delivery of training courses within the BC Division.
  3. Share responsibility with the Divisional Director of EDS in ensuring that clients receive pastoral care, emotional & spiritual support and referrals as needed.
  4. Ensure assistance is provided with respect to clients' immediate material needs, i.e., food, water, and clothing.
  5. Maintain and keep in a state of readiness all vehicles and equipment assigned to the Emergency Disaster Services program.
  6. Ensure that designated operators of EDS assigned vehicles properly maintain the service units.
  7. Assist in the development of a response strategy (preparation of EDS manuals and other relevant materials) that will reflect the different regions within the BC Division.
  8. May provide supervision and oversight to volunteers during a deployment when directed by the Incident Commander.
  9. Perform other position related duties as required

• Organizational Responsibilities
  1. Develop an understanding of the Mission of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities
  2. Maintain information in confidence as required
  3. Participate as an active and responsible team member
  4. Represent the organization in a professional and engaging manner and assist personnel whom the position supports in developing those skills as required
  5. Participate in supervision and regular performance reviews/evaluations as required.
  6. Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army's health and safety policies and procedures.
  7. Ongoing training and certification in all Salvation Army Territorial EDS aspects is required.
  8. Treat the property of The Salvation Army with due care and caution.
  9. Participate in ongoing professional development and training.

• Administrative/Financial
  1. Provides input to annual EDS budget.
  2. Together with Divisional Director of EDS monitors EDS operating budget.
  3. Assists with the recruitment, onboarding, and engagement of EDS personnel
  4. Completes, maintains, and submits reports, forms, and statistics as per EDS standards.
• Critical Relationship Management:
• Enter the contacts with whom this position will primarily communicate.

Governance Boards and Councils: None

Internal:

• Participates in meetings and committees as assigned by the Divisional Director of EDS

External:

• Serve on external boards, committees, and councils as required by the Divisional Director of EDS.
  • Develops working relationships, partnerships, and agreements with provincial partners.
  • Liaises with provincial community resources and partners.

Managerial/Technical Leadership Responsibility:

• This position reports directly to the Divisional Director of Emergency Disaster Services.
• This position does not have direct reports, however, may oversee officers, staff and/or volunteers during EDS deployments.
• This position relates to territorial emergency disaster services leadership, EDS trainers and territorial communications secretariat personnel.

Financial and Material Management:

• Assists with Humanitarian Workforce budget and financial reporting
• Management, safekeeping, effective usage and/ distribution of materials
• Assists with management of Community Response Units (CRU's) in region
• Does not process any financial transactions with no direct budget responsibilities.

Working Conditions:

• Work is typically in a home office environment, but this may change to include an office space provided to you in the future at a Salvation Army location.
• The ability to function independently, and frequently under pressure, while managing multiple concurrent projects and deadlines including participating in, resolving, and effectively managing emergency/crisis situations is an ongoing expectation.
• Flexibility as participation in response, meetings, conferences and other events may involve long workdays and/or evening/weekend work.
• Must be deployable during a disaster incident to support emergency operations for a minimum of 14 days and work extended hours.
• During a disaster incident, this position may be deployed to support on-site disaster relief operations. This may include operating in "hardship conditions" where basic amenities, such as power and water, may not be readily available. Working conditions during a disaster operation may be extremely hectic and stressful.

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army's Mission, Vision and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Completion of a formal post-secondary/college program of two academic years in disaster and emergency management or a related field
• An Undergraduate Degree will be considered as an asset.
• Successful completion of key National Disaster Training Program courses (Introduction to The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services, Foundations of Emotional & Spiritual Care, Disaster Food Service and Canteen Operations, Incident Command System, Train the Trainer) or ability to complete within 12 months.
• First Aid/CPR certification.
• Diploma or certificate in disaster and emergency management an asset.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements:

• Minimum of two (2) years' frontline experience in emergency planning and preparedness or other experience in frontline work with survivors of emergency or disaster situations.
• Proven emergency management skills (prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery).
• Excellent networking skills, with the ability to coordinate and supervise groups of volunteers across a wide geographic area would be a definite asset.
• Working knowledge of all Salvation Army emergency social services primary services programs, EDS programs and Salvation Army Social Service programs is an asset.
• Respect and understanding of The Salvation Army - its mission, culture, and values.

Note: Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

• Attention to detail, problem solving, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in stressful high-paced environments.
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Attentive listening skills.
• Demonstrated teamwork and leadership skills.
• Strong organization and administrative skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).

Successful candidates, prior to hiring, may be required to provide:

• Background check consent.
• A clear vulnerable sector screening.
• A clean drivers abstract.
• Completion of our online Armatus Abuse Training and required Health and Safety training.

The Salvation Army will accommodate candidates as required under applicable human rights legislation. If you require a disability-related accommodation during this process, please inform us of your requirements.

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

Internal Applicants, please advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.