Volunteer FAQ's

If you have additional questions or would like to sign up for training
to become a volunteer, please call 419-946 2811 or email

How can I find out more about volunteering with the American Red Cross, Morrow County Chapter?
The Office of Volunteer Personnel Services offers Volunteer Information Sessions during day or evening hours.

Are there basic qualifications one needs to have to be a Red Cross Volunteer?
The basic qualifications vary depending on the project, position, or department one chooses.

Some examples are:

Disaster Action Team Member - Needs to complete training requirements, have excellent oral and communication skills, and demonstrate a willingness to help individuals. You must have a valid driver's license, no criminal conviction, and must be at least 18 years old.
Education & Training Volunteer Instructor - Needs to have the ability to organize materials and equipment and the ability to demonstrate basic skills. Experience in teaching is helpful, but not necessary. Interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse populations are necessary. A willingness to learn and a desire to teach American Red Cross first aid, water safety, and/or safety courses to the public are necessary. Current basic level course certification and fundamental instructor training are required.
Bloodmobile Volunteer - Needs to have legible handwriting, sufficient physical stamina to stand for long periods, and good customer services skills. Some positions in the Blood Services area are regulated which means you need to have required American Red Cross training to perform certain functions.

How much time will I have to give when I start volunteering?
You decide the amount of time that you are able to give to volunteering. There are a variety of different volunteer opportunities to fit your busy schedule. You can volunteer once a week, once a month or even once a year depending on the type of volunteer opportunity you choose.

Will I be immediately sent out on a Disaster assignment?
Local Red Cross Volunteers get experience by responding to disasters here in the Morrow County area. Once you have become knowledgeable in a particular area related to disaster response, you can become eligible to be put in the Disaster Services Human Resources (DSHR) system. This enables you to respond to disasters nationally

How will I learn to do my volunteer assignment?
Whatever volunteer opportunity you choose, you will receive proper training.

What if I think I am going to like a volunteer assignment, but it doesn't suit me?
The Office of Volunteer Personnel is designed as a resource for volunteers. If you don't like your particular volunteer assignment, the staff can assist you in finding a more appropriate volunteer assignment for you.

The Red Cross offers challenging and rewarding volunteer opportunities. The following are volunteer position descriptions which we offer at the American Red Cross Morrow County. We invite you to search for a volunteer opportunity which best suits your skills and interests.

Special Events

Description: You will be assisting with various short-term projects/events. Volunteer assignments vary but may include assisting with registration at community events, fund-raising, and community education.

Qualifications: A comfort level of working with the public; be a self-starter. Valid Driver License required.
Training Provided: You will receive on-the-job training as it pertains to your responsibilities.

Position Reports To: Volunteer Services
Location: Morrow County, 37 West Center Street, Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338
Time Commitment: On an as-needed basis.

Potential Benefits for You: You may increase your knowledge of fundraising, disaster information, community assistance and your customer service skills.

Note: A criminal background check is required for all volunteer candidates prior to being placed.

Volunteer Recruiter

Description: You will assist the staff in planning and preparations of recruitment meetings and events. Staff recruitment booths/tables at community events, etc. throughout Morrow County. Speak to large or small groups about the American Red Cross volunteer positions and the valuable work volunteers do in the community. Encourage interested parties in learning more about becoming a volunteer with the Morrow County American Red Cross.

Qualifications: Strong written and oral communication skills; experience speaking in public; clear and articulate speaking voice, use of appropriate language, with good listening skills, problem-solving abilities; ability to work independently; reliable transportation, capable of transporting display unit and recruitment materials.

Training Provided: National American Red Cross Orientation (online), Introduction to Disaster (online) and Fulfilling the Mission courses. You will be given task instruction as needed.

Position Reports To: Volunteer Services
Location: Morrow County, 37 West Center Street, Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338 419 946 2811

Time Commitment: Once per month, two to six hours per day

Potential Benefits for You: You may increase your speaking and interpersonal skills along with your administrative abilities.

Note: A criminal background check is required for all volunteer candidates prior to being placed.

Office Worker

Description: You will assist with the administrative activities at the Red Cross to ensure our clients and customers receive excellent service. Some duties include answering phones and emails, copying, filing, preparing mailings, and data entry.

Qualifications: Working knowledge of Micro Soft Windows-based software; solid oral and written communication skills -- ability to elicit information from callers to ensure they are directed properly & able to disseminate detailed information to answer caller requests for information; Ability to file, photocopy, have the manual dexterity to fold paper, peel labels, and stuff envelopes. A clear criminal background check is required for all volunteer candidates prior to being placed.

Training Provided: You will receive training related to the office tasks that are assigned to you on-the-job and oriented to the department.

Position Reports To: Volunteer Services

Location: Morrow County, 37 West Center Street, Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338

Time Commitment: As needed

Potential Benefits for You: You may increase your administrative office skills.

Note: A criminal background check may be conducted on all volunteer candidates prior to being placed.

Data Entry

Description: You will assist with the administrative activities at the Red Cross to ensure our clients and customers receive excellent service. Some of the duties include entering data into various databases such as Microsoft Excel and Access.

Qualifications: Working knowledge of Windows-based software.
Training Provided: You will receive training related to the databases that are assigned to you on-the-job and be oriented to the department.

Position Reports To: Department Staff

Location: Morrow County, 37 West Center Street, Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338

Time Commitment: as available

Potential Benefits for You: You may increase your administrative office skills including knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other database systems.

Note: A criminal background check is required for all volunteer candidates prior to being placed.

Blood Drive -- Family, Friends, or Team Volunteer

Description: You will organize and lead your family, friends, club, retiree team, church group, school class, scout troop, etc. to help the Red Cross at local blood drives by recruiting blood donors, assisting with registration, and helping out in the canteen area.

Qualifications: Good social, interpersonal, and team leadership skills.

Training Provided: You will be oriented to the American Red Cross, Blood Services and Skills Training; receive on-going training as needed; some positions require additional regulated training classes.

Position Reports To: Blood Services Staff

Location: At locations throughout Morrow County

Time Commitment: Flexible hours during days, evenings, and weekends

Potential Benefits for You: You may gain a sense of accomplishment by making a difference in your community; increase your organizational, and team leadership abilities.

Note: A criminal background check is required for all volunteer candidates prior to being placed.

Disaster Service
Disaster Action Team (DAT)

Description: You will assist in providing relief to disaster victims by attending to immediate needs of individuals and families, such as food, shelter, clothing, first aid, and other emergency needs.

Qualifications: You must be 18 years of age; have a Social Security Number; have a valid Driver License; be in good health; be involved at the local Red Cross Chapter; have a high school education or equivalent; complete required training within one year.

Training Provided: Introduction to Disaster, Fulfilling our Mission, Mass Care, Client Casework, Shelter Operations and other related training.

Position Reports To: Team Captain and DAT Coordinator
Location: Morrow County

Time Commitment: Must be able to be
Potential Benefits for You: You may learn about disaster assessment, how to provide client assistance, and increase your problem-solving and crisis decision-making skills.

Note: A criminal background check is required for all volunteer candidates prior to being placed.

Health Services

Description: You will provide health-related services and secure resources to meet the health needs of people affected by disaster. Provide support to people who have disaster-related or disaster-aggravated health needs. Help clients find resources to meet health-related financial obligations. Provide Red Cross financial assistance to clients for medical expenses, as necessary.
Qualifications: Only licensed M.D/D.O, R.N, L.P.N/L.V.N, E.M.T, Paramedics, P.A, Allied Health Workers. Student nurses with current First Aid and CPR training. All must agree to work within the American Red Cross Health Services protocols.
Training Provided: Introduction to Disaster, Fulfilling Our Mission, Disaster Health Services Overview, Disaster Health Services Simulation and other courses pertinent to disaster services.
Position Reports To: Disaster Health Services Coordinator
Location: Morrow County
Time Commitment: On-call status
Potential Benefits for You: You'll gain a sense of accomplishment in helping your community in a time of crisis and distress.

Note: A clear criminal background check is required for all volunteer candidates prior to being placed.

Speakers Bureau

Description: You will be speaking to groups in business and community settings about the services of the American Red Cross as well as helping people prepare for, prevent, and respond to emergencies.
Qualifications: Experience in public speaking; appropriate public appearance and social skills; ability to answer questions in a spontaneous environment; general knowledge of the Red Cross services, CPR & First Aid.
Training Provided: You will receive training including a general orientation to the organization, community speaker's overview session, and quarterly meetings.
Position Reports To: Volunteer Services
Time Commitment: Varies with event or presentation, daytime, evenings, and weekends
Potential Benefits for You: You may increase your effective public speaking skills and networking abilities within the business and civic communities.

Note: A criminal background check is required for all volunteer candidates prior to being placed.

Instructor Aide

Description: You will work cooperatively with the lead instructor in Standard First Aid/CPR/AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) classes to be sure the students receive a positive and safe learning experience. Aides help instructors in several areas: Instructional, Supervisory, Clerical, and Maintenance.
Qualifications: Current American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED training certificates; ability to demonstrate skills after completion of these programs; exhibits a strong sense of maturity and responsibility; must be at least 14 years old.
Training Provided: Instructor Aide Self-Study course; assist instructor in one core course, periodic update and review of material.
Position Reports To: Course Instructor and Manager of Service Delivery
Location: Morrow County
Time Commitment: 4-8 hours per class/ 4-6 classes per year; variable/flexible; weekdays, evenings, and weekends
Potential Benefits for You: You may enhance your skills in clerical, instructional, supervisory, and maintenance preparations for class courses.

Note: A criminal background check is required for all volunteer candidates prior to being placed.

First Aid/CPR/AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) Instructor

Description: You will train the public to save lives teaching adult, infant, and child First Aid, CPR, and/or AED.

Qualifications: Certification in First Aid/CPR; ability to organize materials and equipment; ability to demonstrate skills, interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse populations.

Training Provided: Volunteers must pass basic level course(s) that they will teach; pass Fundamentals of Instructor Training (3 hours); and pass the First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Course (20 hours).

Position Reports To: Manager of Service Delivery

Location: Morrow County, 37 West Center Street, Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338 419 946 2811
Time Commitment: 4-8 hours per class/ 4-6 classes per year; variable/flexible; weekdays, evenings, and weekends
Potential Benefits for You: You may have the opportunity to save a life and to be able to interact with a diverse population and gain administrative and teaching experience.

Note: A criminal background check is required for all volunteer candidates prior to being placed.

Disaster Casework Team

Description: Under supervision, provide casework and supportive services to active duty personnel, their dependents, veterans and their survivors, disaster victims, homeless clients and civilians seeking our assistance. Assistance extended is in accordance with policies established by the American Red Cross and the Cleveland Chapter as requested by the client in an interview or telephone request. Answer questions from general public, and Red Cross clients, which requires general knowledge of Emergency Services policies and procedures.
Qualifications: Demonstrated concern for people needing help and an appreciation for and understanding of the client's feelings and experience. Have respect for the confidential nature of information to enable the client to become independent of the agency's help. Articulate and able to explain complex information in simple terms. Must be computer literate. Able to work independently after receiving training. Some college course work required. Graduate of an accredited college or university with a major in social work, sociology, psychology or related field preferred. Some experience in a social service agency is an advantage.
Training Provided: Volunteer Information Session, Introduction to Disaster Services, Fulfilling the Mission, Client Casework, Client Assistance System (CAS), Shadowing experience provided and mentor assigned.
Position Reports To: Casework Manager
Location: Chapter
Time Commitment:
Potential Benefits for You: You may have a chance to make an impact on people in your community and/or in the USA; travel and be introduced to different cultures.

Note: A criminal background check is required for all volunteer candidates prior to being placed

Blood Drive Volunteer

Description: Assist in the operation of a blood drive. Canteen Host, Registration,
Qualifications: Good customer service, interpersonal and communication skills; possess a comfort level when meeting and directing new people. and knowledgeable about the importance of blood donations.
Training Provided: You will be oriented to the American Red Cross, Blood Services, and Skills Training; receive on-going training as needed; some positions require additional regulated training classes.
Position Reports To: Blood Services Staff
Location: Morrow County
Time Commitment: 6 hour shifts, (3 hour minimum); flexible - days, evenings, and possible weekends
Potential Benefits for You: You may gain a sense of accomplishment in helping your community; have an opportunity to meet new people.

Note: A criminal background check may be conducted on all volunteer candidates prior to being placed.

Disaster Services Human Resources

Description: Assist the Morrow County to prepare for and respond to major disasters that occur locally and/or nationally. Participate in ongoing preparedness activities and exercises. Will be required to respond promptly to communications.
Qualifications: Excellent oral and communication skills and demonstrated willingness to help individuals. No criminal history, hold a valid Ohio drivers license, access to phone/pager, and reliable transportation.
Training Provided: 1) Introduction to Disaster (4-5-hours), 2) Orientation for Disaster Services Staff 3) Standard First Aid & CPR (5-6-hours), 4) Specific group & activity training (varies by group & activity, general 2-3 additional 4-8-hour courses.)
Position Reports To: Group or Activity Lead & Coordinator of Disaster Volunteers
Location: Morrow County
Time Commitment: Up to 12 hours shift during major disasters for 3 weeks intervals.
Potential Benefits for You: Receive a sense of accomplishment by impacting your community, and increase problem-solving and crisis decision-making skills.

Note: A criminal background check may be conducted on all volunteer candidates prior to being placed.

Fundraising Intern

Description: Assist in special project work as available as well as routine clerical support work in our Financial Development Department.
Qualifications: Be enrolled in a certified college/university Business program
Training Provided: You will receive on the job training related to your assigned projects.
Position Reports To: Department Representative
Location: Morrow County
Time Commitment:
Potential Benefits for You: You may gain experience and skills in areas of your concentration.

Note: A criminal background check may be conducted on all volunteer candidates prior to being placed.