Job Description Summary

The Salvation Army’s Strategic Emergency and Disaster Management (SEDM) team coordinates the immediate emergency response and long-term recovery of communities impacted by a disaster. Disaster recovery is a coordinated process that involves all Salvation Army services working together to provide assistance to individuals and communities that meets them at their point of need, throughout the journey of recovery. This assistance can include financial assistance, material aid, personal support, chaplaincy services, financial counselling and casework. Disaster Recovery is long term and it can take several months, and in most cases several years, for people to rebuild their lives again.

Using a trauma-informed care approach, the role of the Recovery Team Member is provide compassionate and confidential support to community members in disaster-affected areas. This involves assessing the needs of individuals and offering assistance in accordance with Strategic Disaster Management Team guidelines, and the values and mission of The Salvation Army. This position ideally is suited to someone who has good listening and communication skills, and is committed to providing care, sensitivity and empathy when corresponding with people.

Key responsibilities

Working within SEDM values and guidelines, Recovery Team Members bring compassion and a care to disaster-affected people who have come to a recovery hub or centre.

A strong attention of detail is needed to maintain data, record documentation and meet the required administration standards.

As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, Recovery Team Members play an important role in providing feedback on service delivery, trends, needs and case studies.

Depending on the skills and interests, Team Members may be involved in attending meetings as a representative of TSA, providing reports, training and inducting new team members.

Qualifications and skills (desired/required)

Completion of Disaster Recovery Training before commencing in the role (3 modules)

Experience supporting trauma-affected people

Ability to use record management software to enter data

Good understanding of English language is required

2 referees required if not previously engaged with The Salvation Army

Required to be 18 years or over

Capabilities and personal attributes

Manage Self: Shows personal motivation and commitment to completing work activities effectively; maintains own motivation when tasks become difficult; regulates own behaviour and responds appropriately in all circumstances.

Act Ethically and with Integrity: Represents the organisation in an honest, ethical and professional way; acts consistent with TSA vision, mission and values.

Show Respect: Recognises and respects the rights and beliefs of others in a non-judgemental way; responds in culturally appropriate ways.

Display Resilience: Keeps control of own emotions and remains calm in the face of challenging situations; displays an optimistic approach to work.

Communicate Effectively: Listens to others when they are speaking and asks appropriate, respectful questions; speaks at the right pace and volume for varied audiences; clarifies own understanding.

Manage Relationships: Connects positively with colleagues and partners within and outside TSA.

Work Collaboratively: Works as a supportive and cooperative team member, shares information and acknowledges the contribution and support of others.

Lead Safety and Wellbeing: Identifies and follows safe work practices; takes action to address hazards, near misses and incidents.

Background check requirements

Background checks play an important part in our commitment to being a safe organisation. Below is what is required for this role.

A police check will be required due to access to confidential information

If undertaking this role in ACT, a Working With Children/Vulnerable People Check is required

Personal information collected will be handled per our privacy and confidentiality policies. The selection process will be fair ensuring the best person for the role and our team is selected.

Development opportunities with this role

This role will give volunteers an opportunity to develop skills and build experience in long term community and recovery support, including how to effectively support individuals, how to relate to traumatised people and the administrative standards required in a recovery setting. There will also be opportunity to gain insight into the workings of inter-agency emergency and recovery services and the work of The Salvation Army more broadly.

Time Required & Commitment

8 hour shifts as agreed with Recovery Team Leader Large scale recovery operations require volunteers to commit to at least 5 shifts