Job Descriptions

Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS)

 
The job descriptions listed are typically those that would be used in a large scale event, like the Katrina evacuees at Lowry.  Depending on the operation, one person may be performing multiple functions.

Incident Command System notes:  Feeding fits into the Logistics Section in the Incident Command System (ICS), and is part of the Service Branch.  There is a title in the ICS system called Food Unit Leader (FDUL).  In the job description, the FDUL contracts for food operations, and is responsible for planning for and dealing with problems, etc.  The head of Food Operations for EDS could be the FDUL, or could report to the FDUL in a larger operation.  If there is a separate FDUL, we will probably refer to the person in charge of Food Operations for EDS as the "Salvation Army Food Unit Manager", or SAFUM.  Be careful with the use of the title "Incident Commander" and other titles; in some cases there will be an overall Incident Commander as well as a Salvation Army Incident Commander.  Similarly, the Salvation Army Logistics person may be working with the overall Logistics person for needed equipment, perhaps through the liaison, etc.
 
Food Unit Leader (FDUL) - Person in charge of Food Operations for EDS. All other functions on this page report to the FDUL or the Salvation Army Incident Commander, directly or indirectly.  (Mike Gelski was the FDUL for Lowry).
 
Deputy Food Unit Leader (DFDUL) - Assists the FDUL, and acts on behalf of the FDUL when the FDUL is not on site.  The FDUL or DFDUL is generally externally focused, interfacing with other agencies and the Salvation Army leadership.  Assists in solving problems.  May perform some planning, logistics, or other functions.

Liaison - interfaces with other agencies and perhaps the Salvation Army leadership.
 
Operations Manager (OM) - Directs volunteers, solves problems, and makes things happen.  Has an internal focus.
 
Cook - Assists OM,  especially in the area of kitchen operations.  Also directs volunteers.
 
Logistics - This function is responsible for all food, materials, equipment, and services needed for the operation.  This could include propane, radios, and almost anything else.   The warehouseman and meal planner are part of the Logistics function, and would report to the Logistics manager, if there is one.
 
Warehouseman - Performs inventory, knows where things are, and help lift and carry.  See detailed job description.
 
Menu Planner - Uses inventory as a basis for planning menus and ordering food and other supplies.  Communicates the menu plan and food orders as widely as practical.  See detailed job description.
 
Scheduler - Schedules volunteers, publishes the schedule as widely as practical.  In a large scale operation, this function may be divided between an EDS person and a call center.  The EDS person will schedule key people and regular EDS volunteers.  The call center will schedule the bulk of the volunteers.  If this function is divided, the two schedulers should communicate as least daily.
 
Statistics - Tracks and reports volunteer hours and meals served.  See detailed job description.
 
Planner - works with FDUL and Menu planner to plan ahead.  This responsibility covers almost any kind of planning.

Equipment - Resolves problems with equipment, refuels generators, fixes things, etc.

RAF  5/18/06