Job Description

Description

The EDS Specialist assist with the planning and delivery of the Emergency Disaster Services program within The Atlantic Division

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Service Responsibilities

• In cooperation with the Divisional Director of EDS, assist with the provision of 24-hour 7 days a week Emergency Disaster Services for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador as situations and/or the Government MOU dictate.
• Participate in the organizing and delivery of training courses within the Atlantic Division.
• Share responsibility with the Divisional Director of EDS in ensuring that clients receive pastoral care, emotional & spiritual support and referrals as needed.
• Ensure assistance is provided with respect to clients\' immediate material needs, i.e., food, water, and clothing.
• Maintain and keep in a state of readiness all vehicles and equipment assigned to the Emergency Disaster Services program.
• Ensure that designated operators of EDS assigned vehicles properly maintain the service units.
• Assist in the development of a response strategy (preparation of EDS manuals and other relevant materials) that will reflect the different regions within the Atlantic Division
• May provide supervision and oversight to volunteers during a deployment when directed by the Incident Commander.
• Perform other position related duties as required

Organizational Responsibilities

• Develop an understanding of the Mission of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities
• Maintain information in confidence as required
• Participate as an active and responsible team member
• Represent the organization in a professional and engaging manner and assist personnel whom the position supports in developing those skills as required
• Participate in supervision and regular performance reviews/evaluations as required.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army\'s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ongoing training and certification in all Salvation Army Territorial EDS aspects is required.
• Treat the property of The Salvation Army with due care and caution.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training.

Administrative/Financial

• Provides input to annual EDS budget.
• Together with Divisional Director of EDS monitors EDS operating budget.
• Assists with the recruitment, onboarding, and engagement of EDS personnel
• Completes, maintains, and submits reports, forms, and statistics as per EDS standards.

Critical Relationship Management

• Participates in meetings and committees as assigned by the Divisional Director EDS
• Serve on external boards, committees and councils as required by the Divisional Director EDS

• Develops working relationships, partnerships, and agreements with provincial partners.
• Liaises with provincial community resources and partners

Working Conditions

• Work is typically in a home office environment; must be able to commute to St. John\'s, if need arises, to attend meetings.
• The ability to function independently, and frequently under pressure, while managing multiple concurrent projects and deadlines including participating in, resolving, and effectively managing emergency/crisis situations is an ongoing expectation.
• Flexibility as participation in response, meetings, conferences, and other events may involve long workdays and/or evening/weekend work.
• Must be deployable during a disaster incident to support emergency operations for a minimum of 14 days and work extended hours.
• During a disaster incident, this position may be deployed to support on-site disaster relief operations. This may include operating in "hardship conditions" where basic amenities, such as power and water, may not be readily available. Working conditions during a disaster operation may be extremely hectic and stressful.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Completion of a formal post-secondary/college program of two academic years in disaster and emergency management or a related field
• An Undergraduate Degree will be considered as an asset.
• Successful completion of key National Disaster Training Program courses (Introduction to The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services, Foundations of Emotional & Spiritual Care, Disaster Food Service and Canteen Operations, Incident Command System, Train the Trainer) or ability to complete within 12 months.
• First Aid/CPR certification.
• Diploma or certificate in disaster and emergency management an asset.

PREFERRED SKILLS/CAPABILITIES:

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements:

• Minimum of two (2) years\' frontline experience in emergency planning and preparedness or other experience in frontline work with survivors of emergency or disaster situations.
• Proven emergency management skills (prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery).
• Excellent networking skills, with the ability to coordinate and supervise groups of volunteers across a wide geographic area would be a definite asset.
• Working knowledge of all Salvation Army emergency social services primary services programs, EDS programs and Salvation Army Social Service programs is an asset.
• Respect and understanding of The Salvation Army - its mission, culture, and values.

Note: Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered

Skills and Capabilities (examples provided below):

• Attention to detail, problem solving, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in stressful high-paced environments.
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Attentive listening skills.
• Demonstrated teamwork and leadership skills.
• Strong organization and administrative skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).

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