What is the Adjunct Emergency Workforce?
On November 15, 2007, Governor Kaine encouraged all eligible state employees to support the Commonwealth’s continuing efforts to stand at the forefront of a response to any disaster or emergency by participating in Virginia’s new Adjunct Emergency Workforce (AEW). The AEW provides opportunities for employees to be assigned to emergency response teams during periods of declared emergencies. The initial effort in a declared emergency will focus on the area of greatest need – the emergency sheltering of our fellow citizens. In the event of the mass evacuation of a large region of Virginia, state government will assume primary responsibility for sheltering, and there will be a critical need for shelter support staff.
Am I eligible to participate?
You are eligible to participate in the AEW if your position is designated as “non-essential” during emergencies and if your agency approves your participation. Please check with your supervisor or human resource office to make sure that you are eligible and approved for participation prior to registering.
What work would I perform in a state shelter?
That depends on your area of interest. Sheltering offers a wide array of opportunities that require universal skills that many of us possess. This includes registrars, hospitality coordinators, greeters, logistical coordinators, operations supervisors, and section chiefs that oversee support and logistical efforts. Descriptions of shelter assignments are available on the registration web site.
How do I register?
Once your supervisor has approved your participation, you may register as a participant using your EmployeeDirect online account at https://edirect.virginia.gov.
After you login, follow the link to the Adjunct Emergency Workforce. Here you can use the dropdown menu to view all of the AEW sheltering assignments and identify those of interest to you. After you identify your area(s) of interest, simply click “Submit” and you’re done!
Note: Registration requires that you provide contact information, including e-mail and telephone/cell phone numbers. Information regarding your work address and your supervisor’s name and contact information may appear blank on the registration form, and cannot be entered by you as part of the registration process. Don’t worry - registration will not be prevented or delayed if these fields appear blank
What training requirements must I meet?
There are certain training requirements that the Commonwealth will help you meet. These include several online courses in basic emergency management and one onsite shelter management course that will be provided in multiple locations statewide. Training can be completed during work hours, so you will not be required to use any personal leave. The Department of Social Services will provide the training and will contact you with additional information soon after you register. Our goal is to have all AEW participants trained and readied by the start of the 2008 Hurricane Season.
What else do I need to know?
Many of your questions will be answered as part of the training, but here are some fast facts:
Highly publicized natural disasters in the United States have shown us how quickly an emergency can exhaust the staff resources of government agencies and relief organizations. These situations often reveal that many public servants want to help but don’t have the access or training to do so. Those barriers are being removed. Governor Kaine thanks you for your interest and asks that you consider participation in the AEW as part of your continued service to the citizens of Virginia.