Volunteer Programs - 4. Extended Emergency Support Service Volunteer (EESS)

The City of Abbotsford Emergency Support Services (ESS) volunteers are a group of dedicated individuals who help plan for the wellbeing of their neighbours and fellow citizens in the event of a disaster.  This assistance includes providing food, lodging, clothing, emotional support, and family reunification.

 

We are looking for residents who are interested in supporting our City of Abbotsford ESS team in times of greater need as Extended Emergency Support Service Volunteers (EESS). The EESS team would provide support at a Reception Centre under the supervision of ESS volunteers and staff during a level 2 (or higher) emergency response. Reception Centres are generally hosted at City facilities or recreation centres and may include; a Warming Centre- during cold weather events, Cooling Centres –during warm weather events as well as other potential natural disaster events.  

Volunteers will be provided annual training and asked to complete the requirements listed below.

 

 

Description of Possible Responsibilities:
• Greeting, Customer Service, Site Host, and public education opportunities.

• Site set-up/take-down.
• Administration and Sign in.
• Food service and handling

• Other related duties.

 

Skills and Qualities Required:
• Ability to take direction from staff and volunteer supervisors.

• Ability to work both independently as well as in a team.

• Strong customer service, organizational and administrative skills may be an asset. 


Requirements:

  • Minimum age: 16 years
  • Must have a valid BC Driver’s license
  • Submit a Reference
    • Please see the EESS Reference form which your reference can complete.
  • Submit your Volunteer Agreement.
    • Please note if you are under the age of 18 years old you will also need this form signed by a parent or guardian.
  • Attend ONE Annual Orientation Meeting

Register and attend one Orientation meeting annually which you will find under your volunteer profile opportunities tab.  These meetings will be held in October and May of each year.

  • Submit a Criminal Record Review Form
      • Please use the CRC form in the document library on your profile.  I will also need to see 2 pieces of ID (1 primary – Passport or birth certificate and 1 secondary – Student ID or Care Card).  Once I’ve checked your ID, then I submit the form on your behalf. Please note that this process currently takes the Provincial Government 4-6 weeks to process. 

 

Time Commitment:
• Varies. May include daytime, evenings, weekday and weekend shifts. Wide availability is an asset but not required.

 

Location:
• Varies. Locations within Abbotsford

 

Additional Information:
• Please report to staff onsite upon arrival and let them know you are there to volunteer. They will put you in contact with the lead who will, do a brief site orientation and get you started with your volunteer shift.

 

• Attendees are Abbotsford residents and as such your dress code for this volunteer opportunity should be in keeping with our audience; casual but professional looking. Volunteers may be asked to wear a uniform T-shirt (i.e. Red t-shirt or vest and nametag). Personal clothing must be free of profanity and inappropriate content and corporate logos with adult content, such as alcohol or tobacco companies. You may be asked to stand, assist with set up and take down therefore comfortable shoes are required.  

 

• Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator if you have any questions prior to the start of your shift. By signing up for your shift you have confirmed you will attend.  

 

• If you are unable to attend your shift due to illness or emergency, please contact  the Volunteer Coordinator via cell 604.626.6620 or email volunteer@abbotsford.ca.

 

• Individuals can record volunteer hours under "Hours Log" in their myvolunteerpage.com account. Staff will approve the hours you’ve logged. All Volunteers for this program must be at least Level 1 approved. Levels 1 volunteers are those that have successfully completed their orientation, which includes a review of safety guidelines. Event orientations specific to each event will be done upon arrival onsite.  

 

Contact:
Chrissy Borseth, Volunteer Coordinator
volunteer@abbotsford.ca
604-557-7050