Focus: This position will primarily support regions heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene, including Asheville, Chimney Rock, Swannanoa, and Montreat.
Description of the position:
As a member of Applied Resource Group's Disaster Case Management team, you will connect disaster survivors to vital resources needed to help recover from being impacted by a disaster. The successful Disaster Recovery Manager brings passion for service, empathy for those who have suffered major loss, focus on organizing and conveying vital information, strong communication, and bringing calm to chaos. We are looking for leaders, problem-solvers, and creative individuals who want to serve our clients while innovating and pushing the envelope of change to transform the discipline of emergency management.
The Disaster Recovery Manager serves as a primary point of contact, assisting Applied Resource Group's Client in coordinating necessary services and resources to address complex disaster recovery needs.
Travel Requirements:
This position may require 30% to 50% travel. Travel will include on-site visits to disaster-affected areas across North Carolina to conduct assessments, meet with clients, and coordinate services. Travel may also involve attending meetings with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as participating in long-term recovery groups and other related activities.
Qualifications / Skills / Knowledge:
Completion of a disaster recovery case management-specific curriculum;
Safety screening as evidenced by a Background Check by local law enforcement;
Able to maintain ethical conduct in accordance with organizational policy;
Conduct business in a manner consistent with the mission, values, and policies of the organization;
Able to maintain high standards for protecting client information, sharing confidential information only as agreed upon by the Client and as evidenced by a signed release form;
Able to work calmly and effectively to resolve conflicts in sensitive situations; able to work collaboratively with others;
Computer literate, able to utilize word processing and spreadsheet software with the ability to learn new and/or customized software;
Must be able to communicate with others;
Must be able to travel across large geographical areas to meet the needs of survivors;
Be organized and prepared for reports, meetings, briefings, and conversations with clients, staff, and external partners;
Able to work without close supervision on assigned duties, and be willing to seek and accept supervision as needed;
Unquestioned confidentiality with sensitive financial and personal information;
Possess no outside interest that may conflict with the organization's goals and objectives;
Demonstrate helpful interpersonal skills, such as:
Genuine care and respect for individuals, families, and communities served;
Effective listening and interviewing skills;
Cultural and linguistic competence relative to the population served;
Ability to document, or to access an alternate method for documenting, in the client record;
Ability to recognize and draw upon client strengths;
Sensitivity to the needs of individuals and families in crisis;
Awareness of the impact of the disaster on the community, the family, and the individual;
Interest in exploring options with clients, with respect for their autonomy;
Ability to maintain appropriate service boundaries; and
Self-awareness.
Essential Functions:
Perform outreach to identify vulnerable persons in need of services and referrals;
Screen applicants promptly and responsively to identify the urgency of need and direct individuals to appropriate services, providing accurate and timely information and referral;
Perform intake interviews via phone and/or in person, linking survivors to resources for urgent needs;
Conduct comprehensive, individualized, strengths-based, and culturally-responsive assessments of each Client's disaster recovery needs and available resources;
Engage each Client to cooperatively participate in the development, implementation, and ongoing review of an individualized disaster recovery plan;
Empower the disaster survivor to effectively access the resources available in accordance with the sequence of assistance for disaster recovery;
Provide, refer, or otherwise arrange for individuals and families to receive needed services and resources identified in the recovery plan through the following actions:
Assist in the restoration of pre-disaster social service benefits for qualified individuals;
Verify unmet needs by obtaining records and/or contacting vendors;
Network with other organizations to guide Client through sequence of delivery services without duplication of benefits and services;
Advocate with and for clients by activities including, but not limited to:
Preparing for and making case presentations on behalf of the Client;
Actively participating in long-term recovery groups where such exists; and
Providing support and advocacy with governmental and non-governmental agencies and organizations when necessary;
Monitor client progress toward recovery goals;
Document using standardized forms and enter relevant information into the client registry in a timely manner;
Provide continuity of client services through case transfer or case closure.
Education and/or Experience:
High school diploma required, Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university preferred with three or more years of progressive experience in the field of human services, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
Knowledge of effective human service strategies and techniques; strong knowledge of local, state, and national social service policies, procedures, and providers a plus;
Candidates who are bilingual (Spanish, Chinese/Mandarin) is a significant plus.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Reasonable Accommodations:
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. (OFCCP, Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability, Form CC-305)
People with disabilities and lived experience are encouraged to apply!