The Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Program, or DSWV Team, was developed to supplement professional responders such as police officers, fire fighters, and medical providers during large incidents and disasters. Team members receive regular training to develop and maintain their skills. 

In a large-scale disaster, such as an earthquake, the DSWV Team will be utilized according to standing orders and be deployed where needed most in the community. For other emergencies, such as flooding, or a search for a missing person, the members will respond and be functionally organized in the manner best suited for that operation (search teams, sandbagging, etc.)

Program members have received basic emergency response training and have completed the Simi Valley CERT Training, which is a prerequisite to participate as a DSWV Team member.

 Mission Statement

The Simi Valley Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Program's mission is to minimize the loss of life, suffering, and damage to property following disasters by training and utilizing highly motivated community members in preparedness, response, and recovery activities.

In 2023, the Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Program celebrated its 20th Anniversary and received an honorary resolution from the City of Simi Valley City Council.

Common Questions asked about the Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Team

What are the minimum requirements to be on the DSW Volunteer Team?

You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. Citizen, possess a valid CA driver’s license/auto insurance and be in good standing in the community. Due to the nature of disaster response work, each prospective member must pass an oral interview and a background check conducted by the Police Department. DSWV members must maintain a cellphone and e-mail account and possess good computer skills.  Members must be in good physical condition and have the desire to help others, train hard, learn new skills and work well in a disciplined team environment.

Does it matter where I live?

Yes. DSWV Team members must live in Simi Valley at the time of appointment. The primary mission of the team is to serve the community of Simi Valley first and foremost. When requested, the DSWV Team may be activated to support other communities in Ventura County.

Do I need any specific skills or training?

Yes. Individuals interested in joining the DSWV Team must have completed the Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) curriculum taught in Ventura County, sometime during the previous 5 years, and provide documentation of completion of that training in the form of a certificate.  DSWV candidates must be familiar with paramilitary organizations, the Incident Command System (ICS), and first responder agencies, such as Police, Fire, and EMS.  Any prior military, paramilitary experience (law enforcement/fire services) or experience as a safety team member in private industry would be helpful as well.

All DSWV Team members must be proficient using a "smartphone" device to send and receive SMS Text messages, e-mail, upload GIS tagged images, and receive other automated alerts.  All DSWV Team members must be able to set up a Team e-mail account on their home computer and smartphone device, and access a Team-managed Google Shared Calendar on their home computer and smartphone device.  All DSWV Team members must obtain their FCC Ham Radio Technicians License within one year of appointment to the team.  All other training and skills will be taught as a part of the ongoing DSWV training program.

Do DSW Team members get paid?

No.  DSWV Team members are strictly volunteers, therefore they are not compensated. The strong desire to help others and be part of a team can provide a great deal of personal satisfaction for these volunteers. If training or team activations occur during a DSWV's regular work hours, many team members receive permission from their employers to use paid vacation leave in order to participate in these activities. 

How much personal time is required from team members each month?

Being a member of the DSWV Team definitely requires a concerted commitment. The DSWV Team meets as often as once a month for training. Beyond that, there are multiple activities each month that could require participation from team members.  These activities are primarily related to maintenance and support of the City's emergency supplies and equipment, quarterly training, administrative support, outreach and promoting disaster preparedness at community events. These activities may only take as little as a few hours, a full day, or multiple days to complete. Volunteer time can be greatly increased if the team is activated to respond to an emergency or disaster. Activations and callouts can happen at any time of day or night and any day of the week. A DSWV Team member must have the full support of their family and employer in order to be a viable asset to the City and their teammates.

Are there any “out-of-pocket” expenses?

Yes. DSWV Team members are responsible for purchasing steel-toed boots and a belt as part of their initial basic uniform. The City of Simi Valley supplies uniform shirts and pants as well as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which consists of a Search and Rescue pack, headlamp, flashlight, cold weather jacket, rain jacket/pants, helmet, gloves, hat, hi-visibility vest, knee pads, ham radio, and other miscellaneous tools. Members are encouraged to purchase additional equipment as desired.

Are there any Physical Fitness Requirements?

Yes.  Members of the DSWV Team are expected to maintain good physical fitness and physical readiness at all times. Some of the activities that team members are expected to perform during training, exercises, drills and actual disasters are listed here:

• Prolonged exposure to heat, cold, odors, liquids, and possible hazardous materials
• Climbing, walking, running, jumping, crawling while wearing/carrying gear and equipment
• Pulling, pushing, dragging, lifting, and carrying objects that weigh greater than 50 pounds
• Lifting and carrying people/bodies, with or without the aid of backboards, etc.
• Standing and/or sitting for extended periods of time in all weather conditions

I’d like to become a Disaster Service Worker Volunteer, how do I proceed?

If you would like to become a City of Simi Valley Disaster Service Worker Volunteer, please contact Emergency Services Coordinator Shannon Johnson. Inquiries can be sent to: smjohnson@simivalley.org.

or via U.S. mail to:

Emergency Services Coordinator
3901 Alamo Street
Simi Valley, CA 93063
ATTENTION:  DSWV Team

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