Disaster Recovery Specialist

United Way of Southwest Virginia•Abingdon, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Disaster Recovery Specialist helps United Way of Southwest Virginia complete ongoing recovery work and build long-term disaster recovery capacity for the region. The role provides disaster-impacted households with a consistent point of contact during recovery, helping ensure people are not left without support as disaster-specific resources decline. It also strengthens organizational and community preparedness by building relationships, documenting systems, identifying community needs, and developing practical knowledge that can be used in future disasters. The position is both people-centered and systems-focused, supporting individual households while helping establish sustainable, coordinated disaster recovery capacity. This is a full-time, exempt, grant-funded position based in Abingdon, Virginia. It reports to the Community Resilience Director. The position is not remote and requires independent travel throughout Southwest Virginia. Periodic early morning, evening, and/or weekend meetings may be required.

Requirements

Required experience in direct services and case management.
A service-oriented attitude and strong commitment to integrity and confidentiality.
Ability to assign, direct, and coordinate volunteer activities and monitor delegated work.
Ability to manage and lead staff members to reach goals.
Ability to build strong relationships with donors and key stakeholders.
Ability to work effectively with staff, volunteers, and community leaders while managing multiple priorities, achieving results, and meeting deadlines.
Ability to develop, implement, and manage budgets and project plans.
Ability to facilitate meetings and groups.
Computer proficiency and experience with Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Adobe, and Publisher.
Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational, prioritizing, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents; respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints; write speeches and articles; and deliver persuasive speeches and presentations to management, public groups, and boards.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts and apply basic algebra, accounting, and geometry concepts.
Valid driver's license and automobile insurance.
Access to reliable, high-speed internet at home.
Ability to travel independently throughout Southwest Virginia.
Ability to sit and talk and hear regularly; use hands to finger, handle, or feel frequently; stand and walk occasionally; and occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university (preferred).
Residency within the UWSWVA service area (preference given).
Knowledge of audiovisual production and event planning.

Responsibilities

Manage disaster recovery cases through household assessments, individualized recovery and stabilization plans, regular follow-up, and guidance toward resolution or transition to long-term resources.
Identify and connect disaster survivors with public, nonprofit, philanthropic, governmental, and community resources for housing, home repair, utilities, transportation, food, financial assistance, health and human services, and other recovery needs.
Maintain accurate and confidential case documentation, including assessments, referrals, services, progress, outcomes, unmet needs, and case closure or transition information.
Monitor active cases, prioritize households facing significant or unresolved barriers, identify service gaps, and communicate emerging community needs to Disaster Division leadership and partners.
Build and maintain partnerships with local governments, emergency management agencies, nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, volunteer organizations, and other community partners.
Represent United Way in regional recovery and preparedness activities, including recovery coordination meetings, Local Emergency Planning Committee meetings, community events, and regional planning and partnership activities.
Support preparedness and response through community education, presentations, resource fairs, volunteer engagement, disaster exercises, and participation in United Way's disaster response structure when activated.
Develop working knowledge of case management, volunteer coordination, donations management, financial assistance, resource coordination, community outreach, and other Disaster Division functions to support cross-training and organizational readiness.
Contribute to the development, documentation, and improvement of disaster recovery policies, procedures, case management practices, resource directories, operational systems, and lessons learned.
Provide program data, case outcomes, success stories, community needs, and other information for grant reporting, fundraising, evaluation, and implementation of the Disaster Division Resource Development and Sustainability Plan.
Maintain confidentiality and provide compassionate, professional service to survivors and partners; participate in United Way activities and promote UWSWVA as a trusted disaster recovery and community impact organization.
Manage changing priorities, respond to emerging recovery needs, collaborate across departments, support organizational initiatives, and perform other assigned duties.