DCS: Disaster Mental Health Services Associate- Tampa Bay- Pinellas County

Qualifications

Willingness to comply with Red Cross COVID-19 policies for in-person volunteer activities.

CURRENT DISASTER MENTAL HEALTH ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA - EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 2017

 A. CURRENTLY LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS:

• At minimum, holds a master’s degree in one of the mental health professions listed below; and
• Holds a current, unencumbered license from, or is registered with, any U.S. state or territory as a social worker, psychologist, professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, or psychiatrist (any level license/registration, including non-clinical licenses such as Licensed Masters Social Worker or LMSW)

 B. CURRENT SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS AND SCHOOL COUNSELORS:

• At minimum, holds a master’s degree in school psychology or school counseling; and
• Holds a current, unexpired license or certification as a school psychologist or school counselor issued by a state board of education.

C. CURRENT PSYCHIATRIC NURSES:

• Have a state license as a registered nurse; and
• Have a minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a psychiatric setting, verified by a letter from a current or previous employer.

 D. RETIRED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS:

• Meet the above educational criteria for specified profession; and
• Held a license (any level license) from any U.S. state or territory as a social worker, psychologist, professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, psychiatric nurse or psychiatrist, or a certificate as a school psychologist or school counselor, within the 5 years* prior to on-boarding as a Disaster Mental Health worker; and
• Maintained a license or certification in good standing upon retirement and without any disciplinary action taken by the issuing U.S. state or territory licensing or certification board.

* If a prospective Disaster Mental Health volunteer has been retired for more than 5 years, the corresponding Disaster Mental Health Division Advisor should be consulted. See the Disaster Mental Health and Disaster Health Services Advisor Program Roster for a list of advisors and their contact information.

EXCEPTION: An individual enrolled in the Disaster Mental Health program prior to May 2010 who does not meet these eligibility criteria can continue to work in the Disaster Mental Health activity given good standing with his/her chapter and a positive performance history while working on local and/or national relief operations.

Length of Appointment

Once trained can remain active as long as training is updated and licenses and certifications remain intact and active.