Disaster Relief and Resilience Case Management Coordinator

Disaster Relief and Resilience Case Management Coordinator

Location: Chittenden/ Addison CountiesReports To: RAFT Executive DirectorJob Type: Full/Part-Time position depending on candidate

Contracted 1099 position, grant funded for 1 yearCompensation: $25/hr or more depending on experience

Mileage reimbursement, Cell phone stipend, Trainings

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RAFT is a long term disaster recovery group comprised of volunteers seeking to provide three main areas of assistance:

• Support for Flood-Impacted Residents: Assist with debris removal, insulation, mold remediation, and securing funding for future recovery projects.

• Preparedness and Education: Help homeowners and communities prepare for future floods through education, practical steps, and building neighborhood connections.

• Community Empowerment and Coordination: Train neighbors as disaster case managers, act as liaisons between residents and other organizations, and foster local support networks.

Position Overview:

The Disaster Relief and Resilience Case Management Coordinator plays a vital role in addressing the complex challenges of disaster management, focusing on both the natural and built environments throughout all disaster phases—mitigation, response, recovery, and preparedness. This position requires a comprehensive approach that integrates sustainable practices to strengthen community resilience and promote regenerative land use. The Coordinator will work closely with local, state, and federal stakeholders, as well as community-based organizations, to support the delivery of resources and services that enhance both individual and collective preparedness and recovery. This role involves advocacy for clients, ensuring they can access immediate and long-term resources that address their diverse needs in a holistic, inclusive, and equitable manner.

The job of the case manager in long-term recovery after a disaster is to identify survivors’ needs and connect them to resources. The case manager works with a long-term recovery committee to do what is necessary to get them back on their feet.

The case manager works long-term with survivors to make an in-depth assessment of their needs, determine which are disaster-related, and help the survivors develop a recovery plan.

The case manager’s relationship with survivors is as an advocate, and the development of the relationship is as important as the client’s needs.

Key Responsibilities:

Disaster Case Management:

• Case Management:
• Prioritize cases and set objectives for volunteer Case Managers
• Visit with survivors as soon as possible, considering safety factors involved in the disaster area. This usually requires a team approach of pairs traveling together for all client interviews outside the office.
• Help clients work through urgent needs first. Know where they can obtain cleanup supplies, fresh water, and fuel for heating. Furnish forms and information to start recovery. Enable clients to take responsibility for their recovery, acting as an advocate and facilitator. Our work is in partnership with survivors.
• Keep detailed records of every case, home visit, referral, and contact with stores or agencies on the client’s behalf.
• Complete application and obtain client signatures on agency forms, including release of confidential information.
• Verify information provided by the client, including FEMA and other agency assistance, income and other assets, insurance, mortgage and other loans.
• Help clients develop a recovery plan by jointly reviewing the assistance they have received, identifying any unmet needs, and determining possible sources for gaps in resources.
• Network with other agencies to stay informed about services and resources. When appropriate, refer the client to another program or agency.
• Follow up with other agencies that have made assistance commitments to the client.

Disaster Mitigation, Response, Recovery, and Preparedness:

• Mitigation: Collaborate with local governments, environmental agencies, and other stakeholders to assess disaster risk factors in the natural and built environments. Help design and implement mitigation strategies to reduce vulnerability to future disasters, with a particular focus on regenerative land use and sustainable development.
• Response: Coordinate the response to disasters by liaising with emergency services, local authorities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Ensure that relief efforts are inclusive, accessible, and environmentally responsible, promoting sustainable practices in disaster relief operations.
• Recovery: Lead efforts to help communities recover after a disaster, ensuring that rebuilding initiatives integrate both the physical and environmental needs of the affected areas. Advocate for community-driven recovery strategies that prioritize long-term resilience and sustainable land management practices.
• Preparedness: Develop and promote disaster preparedness initiatives that educate and equip communities with the knowledge and resources to mitigate disaster risks. Focus on resilience-building activities that support the health, safety, and well-being of individuals and communities.

Community Resilience and Regenerative Practices:

• Collaborate with community stakeholders to identify opportunities for regenerative land practices that enhance both environmental sustainability and community resilience. Foster partnerships with land conservationists, environmental organizations, and sustainable agriculture experts to support projects that restore natural ecosystems and promote long-term ecological health.
• Facilitate educational programs and workshops that teach individuals and communities how to engage in regenerative agriculture, sustainable land management, and ecological restoration.
• Advocate for land-use policies that prioritize sustainability, equity, and environmental justice.

Resource Access and Advocacy:

• Act as a primary point of contact for individuals and communities seeking assistance with disaster relief, recovery, and resilience-building resources, including financial aid, housing, and mental health services.
• Advocate for clients to access local, state, and federal resources available for disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation, ensuring that assistance is provided in a manner that addresses both immediate and long-term needs.
• Provide guidance on navigating the application processes for public assistance programs (e.g., FEMA, USDA, HUD), ensuring that clients are aware of all eligibility criteria and resources available.
• Work closely with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to ensure equitable distribution of resources to underserved and vulnerable populations.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships:

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with government agencies, NGOs, community organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders to coordinate disaster relief and resilience efforts.
• Work with stakeholders to secure funding for resilience and mitigation projects, including grants and philanthropic donations.
• Represent the organization at local, state, and national forums, advocating for policies and practices that support disaster resilience and regenerative environmental practices.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in emergency management, environmental science, urban planning, social work, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in disaster management, community resilience, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of disaster response and recovery operations, as well as mitigation and preparedness strategies, particularly in relation to both the natural and built environment.
• Proven ability to advocate for clients and support access to public resources and funding programs.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and facilitation skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse groups, including government agencies, community organizations, and individuals.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in high-stress, time-sensitive situations.
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal disaster relief and recovery programs (e.g., FEMA, HUD).

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in emergency management, sustainability, or a related field.
• Certification in disaster management (e.g., CEM, AEM) or related areas.
• Knowledge of regenerative land practices and policies.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, including those impacted by environmental hazards, poverty, and displacement.
• Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data analysis tools related to disaster planning and response.

Skills and Competencies:

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Strong team player, able to work effectively in collaborative environments with diverse stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify issues and implement creative and sustainable solutions in complex situations.
• Advocacy: Effective at advocating for marginalized or underserved individuals and communities.
• Leadership and Initiative: Demonstrated capacity to lead and take initiative in developing and implementing projects or programs.
• Cultural Competence: Ability to understand and respond to the needs of diverse populations and communities, especially those impacted by disasters and environmental challenges.

Work Environment:

• This position will involve fieldwork, including site visits to disaster-impacted areas, and may require occasional travel to other disaster zones or partner locations.
• Work hours will vary depending on disaster events and emergency response needs, including evening and weekend work.

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their relevant experience and qualifications for the position to . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

This position description serves as a broad overview of the Disaster Relief and Resilience Coordinator's responsibilities. Specific duties and expectations may evolve based on the organization's needs and the changing nature of disaster management.

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $22.00 - $27.91 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Huntington, VT 05462 (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Huntington, VT 05462

Salary : $25