Emergency Disaster Services Specialist

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

Position Purpose
The Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) Specialist assists with the planning and delivery of the Emergency Disaster Services program within the Atlantic Division.

Key Accountabilities

• Coordinate 24/7 emergency disaster response operations across the Atlantic Division, ensuring timely and effective service delivery in accordance with government agreements and organizational protocols.

• Deliver immediate relief services during emergencies, providing access to essential resources such as food, water, clothing, and other critical supports.

• Provide pastoral care, emotional support, spiritual assistance, and referrals to help clients address immediate and ongoing recovery needs.

• Develop and implement disaster response strategies, procedures, manuals, and operational resources tailored to regional requirements across the Division.

• Plan and facilitate emergency disaster services training initiatives, building organizational readiness and response capacity among staff and volunteers.

• Maintain operational readiness of emergency response vehicles, equipment, and service units, ensuring assets are safe, functional, and deployment ready.

• Lead and support volunteers and response personnel during deployments, providing guidance, coordination, and oversight as directed during emergency operations.

• Support workforce planning by assisting with the recruitment, onboarding, engagement, and development of Emergency Disaster Services personnel and volunteers.

• Monitor and administer program operations through budget support, financial oversight, reporting, record management, and the preparation of required statistics and documentation.

• Promote organizational excellence by ensuring compliance with health and safety requirements, maintaining confidentiality, representing the organization professionally, and pursuing ongoing training and certification.

Education and Experience Qualifications:

• Completion of a two-year post-secondary diploma in Disaster and Emergency Management or a related field; an undergraduate degree is considered an asset. Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

• Current First Aid/CPR certification and successful completion of key National Disaster Training Program courses (or ability to complete within 12 months), including Introduction to Emergency Disaster Services, Foundations of Emotional & Spiritual Care, Disaster Food Service and Canteen Operations, and Incident Command System training.

• Minimum three (3) years of frontline experience in emergency planning, preparedness, disaster response, or direct support to individuals impacted by emergencies or disasters.

• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of emergency management principles, including prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

• Build and maintain effective partnerships and volunteer networks, with the ability to coordinate and supervise volunteers across a geographically dispersed region.

• Apply strong problem-solving, analytical, decision-making, and organizational skills in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.

• Communicate effectively through strong oral, written, interpersonal, and active listening skills, while fostering collaborative working relationships.

• Utilize Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint) to support operational, administrative, and reporting requirements.

• Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, sound judgment, and the ability to maintain confidentiality while supporting the mission, values, and culture of The Salvation Army.

• Meet operational requirements, including obtaining a satisfactory criminal background check, complying with health and safety standards, holding a valid driver's licence (where required), and performing occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs. when necessary.

Compensation:

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email Recruitment.Accommodations@salvationarmy.ca if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.

About Us

Our employees are motivated by the fulfillment and meaning they experience as they serve people in need across Canada and Bermuda. Whether at the front-lines or in a support role, as part of our team you’ll work alongside a diverse and skilled group of purpose-driven professionals, empowered to provide exceptional service.

We deeply value the relationships we build in the workplace, as well as the opportunities given to us such as the potential to experience flexibility at work, receive health and dental benefits, paid vacation and sick time, RRSP’s, as well as to expand our skills and advance our careers as together we build a culture of continuous learning and growth.

If you're looking for a career that allows you to find meaning, make an impact, and one that challenges you to grow and become the best version of yourself, join our dynamic team. There is a place for everyone to belong at The Salvation Army.