Temporary Paid Duty Officer/Dispatcher

American Red Cross

9d • $20 - $23 • Remote

About The Position

Joining The American Red Cross is like nothing else – it’s as much something you feel as something you do. You become a vital part of the world’s largest humanitarian network. Joining a team of welcoming individuals who are exceptional, yet unassuming. Diverse, yet uncompromising in unity. You grow your career within a movement that matters, where success is measured in people helped, communities made whole, and individuals equipped to never stop changing lives and situations for the better. When you choose to be a force for good, you’ll have mentors who empower your growth along a purposeful career path. You align your life’s work with an ongoing mission that’s bigger than all of us. As you care for others, you’re cared for with competitive compensation and benefits. You join a community that respects who you are away from work as much as what you do while at work. Where Your Career is a Force for Good! WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (Job Overview): Under general supervision, coordinate and serve as a resource for daily operations of a program or service. Act as a liaison between program or service and its internal and external partners. Provide support, development and/or leadership guidance to all volunteers. The temporary Paid Duty Officer/Dispatcher Duty Officer evaluates incoming requests to determine if Red Cross action is needed and initiates or escalates Disaster Action Team (DAT) responses based on event size, scope, and type. They support on‑scene DAT leadership, provide technical guidance, assist with training and administrative tasks, and may prepare Initial Incident Reports. The role ensures compliance with DAT standards, communicates key information to regional leadership, and coordinates with program leads to ensuring responders are identified and scheduled. We are seeking a full-time, temporary Paid Duty Officer/Dispatcher for a 14‑week assignment, not to exceed 40 hours per week. The schedule will include weekday, overnight, and weekend shifts. This is a remote position based in Illinois.

Requirements

• High School or equivalent required.
• Minimum 3 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and related experience required.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate attention to detail, accuracy and thoroughness.
• Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Maintain confidentiality and work with integrity and ethics.
• Intermediate level proficiency with MS Office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Ability to work on a team.
• Travel may be required.
• Combination of candidate’s education and general experience satisfies requirements so long as the total years equate to description’s minimum education and general experience years combined (Management experience cannot be substituted).
• Physical requirements are those present in normal office environment conditions.
• Operational flexibility is required to meet sudden and unpredictable needs.
• Ability to use a personal computer, applicable software, and office equipment for sustained periods of time.
• May include sitting for long periods of time, driving a vehicle, and working under challenging conditions

Nice To Haves

• Reliable internet.
• Laptop and phone will be provided by the American Red Cross.
• Comfortable using and learning new technology
• Commitment to use RC Care and RC Respond systems as needed
• Able to prioritize multiple tasks in complex, rapidly changing and stressful situations.
• Strong written, verbal communications and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work for long periods on a computer
• Ability to speak clearly on the phone.
• Willingness to comply with current public health and Red Cross policies

Responsibilities

• Document incoming disaster notifications, manage DAT calls, and maintain accurate RC Respond records assuring proper assignment, real‑time updates, and timely closure of events or handoff details during shift changes.
• Identify available DAT responders, dispatch appropriately resourced teams, maintain communication throughout responses, and monitor multiple active events as needed.
• Activate Public Affairs when requested and notify Chapter/Regional staff of significant incidents, contributing to Initial Incident Reports when appropriate.
• Manage personal availability by registering for shifts, maintaining Duty Officer system access, and attend required DAT or team meetings.
• Support day‑to-day program operations by developing workable implementation plans, coordinating casework activities, responding to inquiries, and scheduling community‑based presentations.
• Participate in small‑scale projects involving research, data collection, and crafting recommendations; assist with coordination of educational/outreach programs and volunteer recruitment, orientation, and training.
• Independently resolve minor issues that may impact program or service delivery.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED