Emergency Disaster Services Cross-Train Social Service Staff

Columbus Ohio (May 15, 2018) - Social workers and others involved in The Salvation Army’s social services converged on Columbus Ohio last week for a state wide Social Services conference.  This annual conference allows for the entire state to train together and network.  Krista Edwards, The Director of Social Services in Columbus stated, “Our divisions divide the state of Ohio in half, but many state programs involve the whole state; it is important for us all to get together, and address issues involving the entire state.”    

One of the offerings at this conference was a look at the Emergency Disaster Services piece of The Salvation Army’s work.  The trainers highlighted the advantages of cross-training Social Services personnel with Emergency Disaster Services (EDS).  Cross-training is good for The Salvation Army, because it provides more flexibility in managing our workforce when a large event hits, and it’s good for employees because it helps them learn new skills, and makes their work at a disaster easier because they already have an idea of what this work looks like.  

Twenty-One attendees completed the training and have begun the process becoming certified EDS workers in addition to the duties within social services.  Cayla Allen, an EDS trainer stated, “Because of the additional skills they bring with them, this cadre of EDS volunteers will be especially valuable the next time we face a large disaster or emergency.”