Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Become a Certified Disaster Response Crisis Counselor

To help ensure the availability of trained disaster response crisis volunteers, residents age 18 and older are being sought to participate in state training to become certified disaster response crisis counselors (DRCC). DRCCs provide psychological first aid and information and referral services as part of the statewide Emergency Response Network.
 
“Recent emergencies and disasters have underscored the need for organized and well-trained counselors to assist first responders and public safety officials during times of crisis,” stated County Executive Dennis Levinson. “This is a wonderful opportunity for residents to receive free training, technical support and knowledge that can better serve our communities when most needed.”
 
Interested participants must submit an application available online at njdrcc.org and attend designated training that will consist of an initial online webinar and four, 6-hour classes to be held 9 AM – 4 PM at the Atlantic County Library/Brigantine at 201 15th Street South on October 12, October 23, November 3, and November 13. They will also be required to undergo fingerprinting at no cost.
 
Volunteer disaster response crisis counselors do not need to have a clinical background, however, a strong interest in disaster response and/or related training and skills is beneficial.

Classes will include: Introduction to Disaster and Trauma Counseling; Cross Cultural Issues in Disaster Response and Recovery; Key Concepts in Psychological First Aid; and Ethical Issues in Crisis Response.

For more information please contact Kathy Quish, Atlantic County Mental Health Administrator, at (609) 645-7700 ext. 4519.

 

 

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