Volunteer Services

Volunteer Services
Volunteer Services provides each volunteer with assistance in finding the area of community service that best suits the individual's talents, interests and goals. Volunteers are placed in positions that offer rewarding work, growth and development. Training and supervision is provided to ensure successful placement and positive volunteer experiences.

Following are descriptions of volunteer opportunities available. If you have an interest that is not listed, the Volunteer Services Department is available to speak with you about how we can meet your needs. Training is provided for all volunteer opportunities.

Blood Services Volunteers

Blood Services Volunteers work at the Red Cross or at locations throughout our community. They are a vital part of the blood program. Volunteers work once or twice a month for 3-hour shifts.

Registration Volunteers welcome and greet blood donors, explain the registration process and ask the donor to read the criteria for giving blood.

Unit Helpers assist nurses with the donation process by escorting blood donors and taking filled bags to packing area. These attentive and supportive volunteers will be on their feet for 3-hour shifts and must be at ease around blood.

Canteen Observers serve refreshments to blood donors and observe the donor for possible reactions. If a reaction occurs, the Canteen Observer is responsible for calling a staff nurse over to the donor. These volunteers will be on their feet for a 3-hour shift (comfortable shoes are encouraged).

Scheduling Chairmen coordinate and schedule volunteers to work on local blood drives. Telephone work can be done out of one's home and involves approximately 8 hours per month.

Coordinators organize, publicize and plan blood drives in their community, church or place of business.

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Clerical

Receptionists operate the switchboard, answer phones and greet public at the Red Cross office. Clerical tasks are also performed. Receptionists report once a week for a 4 and 1/2-hour shift.

Clerical Assistants support the activities of the Red Cross by volunteering their services to do typing, filing, record keeping, data entry and assisting on special projects. Hours vary as needed.

Bulk Mailing Volunteers help with large mailings by stuffing envelopes, applying labels and folding inserts. Hours vary as needed.

Health and Safety Volunteer Coordinator works with the Coordinator of Health & Safety to schedule volunteers to teach classes and work at special events such as first aid stations and display booths. This individual helps develope 9 quarterly schedule of classes. Must like to talk on the phone, have good organizational skills and be able to work at home. This is a 1-day per week commitment with periodic changes due to workload.

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Special Events

Parade Coordinator is in charge of recruiting and scheduling volunteers to both march in and drive Red Cross vehicles in parades.

Parades Volunteers represent the American Red Cross during summer months by driving Red Cross vehicles and marching in local parades. Costumes are available for use.

Health Fairs and Information Booths Volunteers staff booths at local health and career fairs as well as information booths for other special occasions. They provide information to the community on Red Cross services, recruit volunteers, etc.

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Caseworkers

Volunteer Caseworkers work with the Armed Forces Emergency Services Program. Volunteers are responsible for providing emergency communications between members of the military and their families as mandated by the Congress of the United States. Volunteers also screen and interview clients, interpret Red Cross policy and determine eligibility for program assistance. Must have good phone skills, be non-judgmental and have an eye for detail. Casework experience preferred.

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Disaster Services

Disaster Volunteers are ready to help in the event of a national or local disaster, such as a fire, tornado or snowstorm. Volunteers help provide emergency services, conduct damage assessments, set up shelters, provide first aid and distribute food, and serve as caseworkers. A variety of disaster training is available. All training is free.

Disaster Services Human Resources (DSHR) Volunteers are volunteers who have taken all the necessary training to become certified with the National American Cross and make a 3 week commitment to go on a national disaster.

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Nursing

Disaster Health Services Nurses provide nursing care to victims of disaster. Assignments vary according to the nature and severity of the disaster. Nurses are involved with shelter nursing, health consultation and as health consultation liaisons with medical authorities.

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Instructors

Instructors in health programs teach health courses to schools and community groups and safety courses including: First Aid and CPR, HIV/AIDS, Basic Aid Training, First Aid for Children Today, and Water Safety.

CPR, First Aid and A.E.D.(Automatic External Defibrillator) Instructors teach others to save lives and deal with emergencies. Volunteer instructors offer day and evening classes in First Aid and CPR. Current certificate in CPR and First Aid, a 12-hour instructor course and co-teaching is required. Must be 17-years-old.

Instructors for HIV/AIDS Education teaches others the facts on HIV/AIDS. An instructor course is required (16 hours) after taking the basic course in HIV/AIDS education. Must be 21-years-old.

First Aid for Children Today (FACT) Instructors teach children, ages 5-8, basic first aid skills, injury prevention and healthy lifestyles. Must be 15-years-old.

Basic Aid Instructors (BAT) teach basic first aid skills, injury prevention and healthy lifestyles information to children 8 to 17-years-old. Must be 15-years-old.

Baby-Sitting Instructors teach children 11-years-old and older baby-sitting techniques, first aid and other emergency skills. Must be 17-years-old.

Water Safety Instructors teach the Learn to Swim Program, Community Water Safety, and Infant & Preschool Aquatic Program. Must be 17 years old, posses an Instructors Candidate Certificate and complete 36-hour course consisting of water safety and swimming skills.

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First Aid Stations

First Aid Station Volunteers work at health fairs and staff first aid stations at community events. Requirements are one of the following: EMT, Paramedic, LPN, RN, Nursing Student, CPR/FA Instructor, or current CPR and First Aid certification.

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Maintenance

Annie Cleaners: If you are more of a "fix it" person, these skills are needed to help maintain CPR mannequins so they are in good working order. One morning or afternoon per week.

Vehicle Maintenance: Help clean and vacuum the cars used to transport seniors and blood products. Flexible hours are available and some Saturdays.

Building Custodian: Includes everything from changing light bulbs to general custodial responsibilities. Flexible hours are available.

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Youth Volunteer Opportunities

There is no limit to youth involvement in the Red Cross services and programs. Volunteering is an excellent opportunity for teens 14 and up to explore career opportunities while helping others. Teens may volunteer after school or during summer vacation in nearly every service area of the Red Cross.

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Fundraising Events

The Red Cross has a number of volunteer opportunities in the fundraising area. For those people tight on time, these short-term events are great.

Special Events vary from year to year, but may include sales, concerts, and more! It's a fun way to get involved with the Red Cross and to raise money so that the Red Cross may provide services to the community.

Every Day Heros - The Everyday Heroes Breakfast is scheduled for Friday, April 21, 2006.

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Other

Leadership Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers are given the opportunity to accept positions of greater responsibility within the Chapter. Volunteers give leadership and guidance by serving on committees and on the Board of Directors as officers, chairmen of committees and members at large. Other volunteers serve as chairmen of service areas and are responsible for the management and coordination of other volunteers.

For more information about Volunteer Services, please call our Petoskey office at 231-348-7666.

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