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Training & Events

• Introduction to Vancouver Emergency Social Services Volunteer Program
• Introduction to ESS
• Group Lodging
• Registration and Referral
• Reception Centre
• Documentation Unit
• Resource Aquisition
• Managing Walk-In Volunteers
• Site Management
• ESS Meetings and Events
• Download the PEP Volunteer Form

ESS Training Schedule
All training is provided to ESS volunteers free of charge.
For additional information on all of these courses visit the Justice Institute of BC website.

Introduction to the Vancouver Emergency Social Services Volunteer Program - General Volunteer Information Session

This introductory session will provide an overview of the general structure of the Vancouver Emergency Social Services (ESS) Volunteer Program, including information about specific opportunties available for volunteers. For instance, when disaster strikes, ESS volunteers will be relied upon to assist those who have been impacted by the event. Volunteers are trained in the operation of reception centres and group lodging facilities.  When activated, these centres will provide basic essential needs to evacuees such as food, clothing, lodging, pet services, and other required services. In addition, volunteers have the option of participating with a variety of committees such as the Pet, Public Education and Exercise Planning committees which work to further develop the Vancouver ESS Team. Attend one of the sessions below to learn more about ESS and these committees.

The following courses are offered through the Justice Institute of BC:
Because the ESS program is primarily volunteer based, it strongly depends on community members willing to take training and get involved. All Vancouver ESS volunteers attend training facilitated by the Justice Institute of BC. Please refer to the listings below for upcoming training sessions.

Introduction to ESS (Mandatory for all volunteers - Must complete within 1 year)

Participants will explore the Emergency Social Services (ESS) program in BC and learn personal preparedness requirements for ESS workers. This course is a prerequisite for all other ESS courses and is offered online through the Justice Institute of BC.

Click here to register for Introduction to ESS

Registration and Referrals (Mandatory for all volunteers - Must complete within 1 year)

Registration and Referrals describes the process for registering evacuees and for providing them with referrals for food, clothing and lodging. This course also covers basic evacuee interviewing skills, and completion of the ESS File (Registration and Service Record) and Referral forms.

Prerequisites: Introduction to ESS & Reception Centre

Reception Centre (Mandatory for all volunteers - Must complete within 1 year)

The Reception Centre course explains how ESS workers will function in, or support the activities occurring at, an emergency Reception Centre. Participants are given an overview of the functions, the staffing, and the planning of a Reception Centre. They will also have an opportunity to set up a Reception Centre.

Prerequisites: Introduction to ESS

Group Lodging (Optional)

Participants will learn how to adapt facilities to dormitory type accommodation for people displaced from their homes during a disaster. Course content includes both planning and operations tasks. The purpose of the course is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills required to work in, or manage a group lodging facility.

Prerequisites: Introduction to ESS & Reception Centre

Documentation Unit (Optional)

Documentation Unit is intended for members of the ESS team who have been assigned administrative support responsibilities at a Reception Centre. Course content includes administrative support requirements at a Reception Centre, material requirements to do the job, work station set up, and paperwork procedures.  

Prerequisites: Introduction to ESS & Reception Centre

Resource Aquisition (Optional)

ESS Resource Aquisition is for ESS team members who are responsible for acquiring and managing food, clothing, and lodging resources for evacuees and response workers. Course content includes identification of essential resources, how to set up agreements with suppliers before an emergency occurs, and how to access, distribute, and track these resources during an emergency.

Prerequisites: Introduction to ESS & Reception Centre

Managing Walk-In Volunteers (Optional)

This session will teach ESS team members how to manage large numbers of untrained walk-in volunteers wanting to assist during a disaster. As part of the session, participants will have the opportunity to set up a volunteer service centre.

Prerequisites: Introduction to ESS & Reception Centre

ESS Site Management (Optional)

The ESS Site Management team includes Reception Centre and Group Lodging Managers; Information, Liaison and Safety Officers; and Operations, Planning, Logistics and Finance Section Chiefs. This session teaches participants about the roles and responsibilities of the ESS management team and provides opportunities to perform relevant activities and processes.

Prerequisites: Introduction to ESS & Reception Centre

ESS Meetings and Events

ESS All Teams Meeting

The ESS All Teams Meeting is open to all Vancouver ESS Volunteers to participate in the planning for ESS for the next six months.

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Send e-mail to ess@vancouver.ca or call 3-1-1 (within Vancouver) or 604.873.7000 (outside Vancouver) with inquiries or comments.

© , City of Vancouver, Emergency Social Services
Last Modified: Monday, February 6, 2012