Safety and Wellbeing Responder

Job Summary:

The Disaster Management Safety and Wellbeing (SWB) Responder, under the direction of the SWB Supervisor and as part of the ERT, will work in collaboration with other responders to provide SWB services in a safe environment to beneficiaries as part of a team within the mandate of the Canadian Red Cross.
Specifically, this position will focus on:

• Supporting the implementation of SWB services and programs for beneficiaries
• Facilitating the resilience, emotional and psychosocial well-being of the affected population, in collaboration with other Operation personnel
• Communicating accurate information for knowledge sharing and referrals
• Being prepared for the intensity and types of activities that may vary week by week according to the ongoing assessments and needs

 
RESPONSIBILITIES/ACTIVITIES

These are the duties and tasks applicable to the Safety and Wellbeing Responders in a DM emergency operation. The incumbent is expected to carry out all areas of responsibility as listed below according to defined Minimum Standards

Responsibility 1 –Provide psychosocial support and contribute to protection through activities
Support basic psychosocial support and protection actions as part of the overall Field Operations Team. These may include:

• Assist in the set up, running and/or closing of the SWB service or activities within a reception centre, shelter or other site as directed.
• Support the implementation of the safe and supportive environments guidelines, and provide guidance to others within the operation on beneficiary protection issues.
• Support complex cases through consultation with ERT responders and ensure appropriate referrals
• Support the implementation of outreach activities (e.g. community-awareness raising sessions, information-mobilization and establishment of support groups) as directed
• Inform SWB Supervisor on any emerging needs that are observed within the beneficiary population (including psychosocial issues, including psychosomatic, grief and extreme stress reactions that can occur within beneficiaries)
• Attend meetings as required
• Outside of response, support the ongoing integration of SWB programming within disaster management in teams.

Responsibility 2 – Advocate for beneficiaries

• Advocate for beneficiaries to SWB Supervisor in matters of mental health and psychosocial support.
• Assist SWB Supervisor in ensuring that beneficiaries are aware of the Feedback and Complaints mechanism and refer complaints to SWB Supervisor.
• Ensure appropriate follow-up on beneficiary issues through access to databases used in response, such as EMIS.

 
DUTIES APPLICABLE TO ALL PERSONNEL

1. Actively work towards the achievement of the CRC’s values of:
   1. Respect, dignity and inclusiveness
   2. Integrity, accountability, effectiveness, transparency and adaptability
   3. Quality and safety
2. Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross/Red Crescent principles:
   1. To prevent and alleviate human suffering
   2. To protect life and health and ensure respect for the human being
   3. Making no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions, and giving priority to the most urgent cases of distress
   4. Not taking sides in hostilities or engaging in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature
   5. Not prompted in any manner by desire for gain
   6. Sharing equal status with other Societies in the Movement and equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other
3. Abide by and work in accordance with the DM Standard Operating Procedures, Foundational documents, Technical Standards and other relevant guidance materials.
4. Contribute to a positive team environment and service excellence to meet the needs of beneficiaries, including a healthy and safe working environment.

Perform any other work related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager.
 
QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. Experience in an emergency environment and/or with the Red Cross, an asset.
2. Experience of taking care of others
3. Experience in living or working in a cultural context other than their own
4. Training in Psychological First Aid.

Preferred Education & Experience
The following are considered strong assets for this position:

1. Background in psychosocial work, nursing, teaching, social work, youth engagement, public health is considered a strong asset.
2. Training in protection and violence prevention, or psychosocial support in emergencies is a strong asset
3. Previous deployment experience in a large-scale operation is considered a strong asset.

Mandatory Background Checks

1. This position requires a satisfactory Canadian criminal record reference check
2. This position requires a satisfactory vulnerable sector check

 
KNOWLEDGE

• Demonstrated skills in diplomacy, cultural awareness and practical approach
• Strong communication skills
• Strong cultural safety skills
• Ability to work with other volunteers

 
LANGUAGES

• This position requires all candidates to be fluent in English
• For candidates working in Quebec, French fluency is a requirement.
• Fluency in another language is considered a strong asset

 
SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Customer service skills
• Communication skills - verbal and non-verbal cues, active listening, clearly able explain self and confirm understanding from client
• Ability to work well within a team
• Dependable and takes initiative
• Remains calm during a crisis
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances in a fast-paced environment
• Discrete, professional and mature
• Demonstrated ability to work with youth (15-25) and children (0-15)

 
WORKING CONDITIONS

The majority of the work is carried outside of an office environment and is primarily a field based position.  Difficult and demanding working conditions are expected including the following:

• Due to the dynamic nature of response, there may be issues of access and mobility;
• Adaptable living conditions;
• Long hours of work in a demanding context with limited resources;
• Stressful rapidly changing environment with limited information to make decisions.
• Ability to respond during non-traditional hours (i.e. late night or weekends) and long hours of work in a demanding context.

A valid provincial driver’s licence and First Aid Certification (training provided) is required. This position also requires a successful Canadian criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening. Candidates must be 18 years of age or older.  The Canadian Red Cross Society is an equal opportunity employer.

 

APPLY NOW

The Canadian Red Cross is committed to gender equality and social inclusion in our workplace. All qualified applications will receive consideration without regard to sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, color, religion, nationality, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We encourage all qualified persons to apply, particularly Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, visible minorities, and others who share our values and contribute to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.