Volunteer FAQ
A. Once you have completed the application process and background check, a volunteer screening team member will contact you to discuss volunteer opportunities and together you will determine a match. Consider how much time you are interested in dedicating, your skills and talents, where you are willing to volunteer, and what your schedule is.
A. Time commitments vary according to the area in which you choose to volunteer. It can be as little as 4 hours per month to 20+ hours per week. The specifics will be discussed with you by a volunteer screening team member once your application and background check are received in Volunteer Connection, our volunteer management system
A. The first step to becoming a Red Cross Disaster Responder is to apply using our volunteer management system Volunteer Connection. You will be required to create a profile and submit your volunteer application through the system, taking about 15 minutes to complete. You will also be required to submit to a background check. Upon receipt of your background check and application, you will be contacted by a screener to discuss next steps.
Apply Now: Intake Intermediary Page (redcross.org)
A. Yes, new volunteers can deploy to a Disaster Relief Operation, in a trained and assigned volunteer role, based on the needs of the deployment. Disaster Relief Operation deployments outside of the Northern Ohio Region are typically 14+ days in length and require completed training in advance for the assigned volunteer role. Transportation to and from deployment, meals and lodging are provided by the Red Cross. Long hours and volunteer duties on deployment may include hardships associated with the Disaster Relief Operation. New volunteers deploying to a Disaster Relief Operation are most often assigned as a Shelter Service Associate, providing meals, and assisting with other duties in a Red Cross shelter to help families and individuals impacted by a disaster.
A. Typically, there are very few volunteers deployed internationally and they are specially trained to manage international emergency operations. Please consider supporting your community’s needs by volunteering with your local American Red Cross chapter.
Contact Northern Ohio Volunteer Services at NEOVolunteer@redcros.org or 216-431-3328.
A. To volunteer with disaster services, you must be 18 years old. Opportunities may be available for Youth Volunteers under the age of 18. Please view Northern Ohio Youth and Young Adult volunteer opportunities for more information.
A. Our volunteer opportunities vary, which enables some volunteers to work from home, virtually, or in the field. Explore the DAT Duty Officer Virtual volunteer role to be a part of the local disaster response by receiving incoming disaster notifications and use Red Cross systems that can be accessed virtually to dispatch the Disaster Action Team. Other virtual volunteer opportunities may include Blood Services Scheduling and Onboarding Team Members, Service to the Armed Forces Hero Care Casework and SAF Adult Reconnection Workshop Facilitator, which requires a master’s level mental health degree and licensing. *Virtual Opportunities vary by location.
Apply Now: Intake Intermediary Page (redcross.org)