Disaster Recovery Specialist

Position Title: Disaster Recovery Specialist

Location: Abingdon, VA and/or Hybrid

Type: Full-time, exempt, temporary (dependent on continued grant funding)

Salary: $45,000.00

Reports to: Disaster Recovery Coordinator

United Way of Southwest Virginia is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered for vacancies without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age, or status as a veteran or other category protected under applicable state or municipal law. United Way of Southwest Virginia will reasonably accommodate the disabilities of qualified applicants to permit them to perform the essential functions of the subject position.

Purpose of the Position:

The Disaster Recovery Specialist is responsible for assisting with disaster recovery efforts in Southwest Virginia on behalf of the United Way of Southwest Virginia.  The Disaster Recovery Specialist will report to the Disaster Recovery Coordinator. The Disaster Recovery Specialist must be able to complete a regular schedule of time-sensitive tasks along with multiple requests for assistance in a professional and organized manner. The Specialist may also be responsible for working directly with volunteer groups such as AmeriCorps or other disaster recovery related entities.

The Disaster Recovery Specialist is a temporary position (approximately 12 months) depending on funding responsible for providing a wide variety of disaster recovery client services, including disaster relief, assessments, supportive services, information and referral, financial assistance, advocacy, and the development of long-term disaster recovery plans for clients.

The Specialist is also responsible for keeping case files according to agency policies and gathering and reporting program statistical and outcome data. The position requires the flexibility of helping on evenings and weekends as needed to meet client needs, as well as driving and home visits.

Areas of Responsibility: (Other duties may be assigned)

Areas of Responsibility:

• Conduct a multi-dimensional assessment of client needs.
• Help clients to submit applications for disaster assistance.
• Perform outreach activities intended to find affected individuals needing support and assistance.
• Provide referral to proper medical, psychological, and social work professionals.
• Administer financial help by the guidelines provided.
• Participate in Long-term Recovery Group activities/meetings.
• Maintain proper documentation of client files (confidential case files.)
• Maintain correct service delivery statistics, evaluate outcomes, and keep management apprised of servicing issues, trends, and cost implications.
• Submit all necessary and proper documentation to the Disaster Recovery Coordinator, Executive Director, and/or administrative support services.
• Perform other duties and assume other responsibilities as assigned.

Values

Dependable

Accountable

Trustworthy

Innovative

Approachable

Ethical

Core Competencies

Mission-Focused

Relationship-Oriented

Collaborator

Results-Driven

Brand-Steward

Functional Competencies

Adaptable

Strong Organizational Skills

Proactive

Effective & Engaging Communicator

High level Computer/Technical Skills

Requirement of the Position:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Experience providing disaster case management.
• Proven leadership, administrative, and organizational abilities.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to respond compassionately to persons who are in crisis while maintaining proper and professional boundaries.
• Strong interviewing and assessment skills.
• Must be able to practice and maintain client/program confidentiality, while at the same time function as a collaborating staff/team player.
• Ability to work with diverse populations in crises.
• Proven ability to follow directions, solve problems, and work independently.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong commitment to maintaining integrity and confidentiality of donor information.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Ability to manage deadlines essential to the completion of work.
• Experience in finance management and budget tracking.
• Ability to prepare reports, packets, and supporting documentation for a variety of activities.
• Ability to interact and work in partnership with diverse groups of staff, volunteers, donors and other stakeholders.
• Good verbal communication skills, especially when asking questions, listening to and obtaining clarification on complex instructions.
• Personal and professional integrity when working independently, when using United Way resources, when handling donations and donor correspondence, and at all other times.
• Pleasant professional manner and willingness to assist where needed.
• Self-motivated and independent, with a strong focus, follow-through, and organization.
• Aptitude for logistics and willingness to recommend and make ongoing improvements to United Way’s office functioning.
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, organizational and prioritizing skills, and relationship-building skills.

Educational and/or Experience – Bachelors’ degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or human services from an accredited four-year college or university preferred; and/or three years of case management or disaster recovery logistics experience and/or training. 

Residency and Travel – Preference is given to applicants who live in the service area and are available to attend early morning, evening, and/or weekend meetings periodically, and should be able to travel independently throughout Southwest Virginia.

Language Skills - Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Mathematical Skills - Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations - Valid driver's license and automobile insurance required. Access to reliable, high-speed internet at home required.

Physical Demands - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is required to stand, walk and climb steps. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment - The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary : $45,000