Job Description of the American Red Cross Volunteer Corp

Members of the American Red Cross Volunteer Corp are unpaid workers who offer their time to help American Red Cross initiatives across the United States and beyond.

About the Volunteer Corp

• According to the American Red Cross website, volunteers make up 96 percent of the American Red Cross workforce. Approximately 97 million people volunteer at Red Cross societies worldwide.

Volunteer Duties

• The duties of Red Cross volunteers vary significantly based on the program, circumstances surrounding the program, volunteer skills and abilities, and other factors. Common duties include administering blood drives, providing on-the-ground support for disaster relief, and providing emergency and health care training to communities.

Self Assessment

• The American Red Cross offers a self-assessment "test" to help prospective volunteers determine if the organization is a good fit. The American Red Cross asks volunteers to make sure they have enough time, are responsible, are flexible, are opening to taking classes and traveling, can work with people from very different backgrounds, and can function and communicate well in a team.

Training

• The American Red Cross requires volunteers to complete four modules of online orientation on the history, foundations and structure, key services and values and commitments of the organization. Once applicants are accepted, they must typically participate in a local, in-person orientation session.

Application Process

• Interested applicants can apply to the American Red Cross by visiting their local chapter website, were volunteer opportunities are posted. In addition to completing the online training, volunteers must also read the volunteer handbook prior to submitting the application. Those wishing to participate in disaster relief services must also apply to Disaster Services Human Resources. Applicants must also typically pass a background check.