VEST Recruitment
Thank you for your interest in the Volunteer Emergency Services Team, "VEST"! The Disaster Services
Branch encourages you to pursue becoming a VEST member. A VEST member remains in their current position with the
State of California, but basically agrees to be redirected temporarily to the Disaster Services Branch of the
Department of Social Services during an emergency or disaster response, if their work schedule and work load
permits. VEST members must have their supervisor's permission to join VEST and also must get supervisor clearance
for each deployment.
VEST members may enjoy up to ten days of training a year in disaster-related topics. In addition to the various
trainings, the potential exists to be assigned to an operation during an emergency or disaster. Assignments may
depend upon the training a VEST member has received. VEST members may be deployed to our Department Operations
Center or to another operation anywhere in California where the need exists. Some of these operations include
disaster shelters and Local Assistance Centers. Deployments are generally for a minimum of five days and a maximum
of 15 days, depending upon the mission. Sometimes VEST members are asked to deploy in a matter of hours of first
notification (after receiving clearance from their supervisors).
Becoming a VEST member is an opportunity for state employees to assist the California public in times of emergencies
or disasters in Government-directed recovery operations. It is also an opportunity to receive training and do
something outside of your normal work routine. VEST members are a valued resource for the Department of Social
Services. If you are interested in joining VEST, please contact Michaela White at
disastervest@dss.ca.gov.
Disaster Services Branch
Attn: VEST Recruitment
744 P Street, MS 8-10-143
Sacramento, CA 95814
Again, thank you and I look forward to hearing from you!
Michaela White
Click here for answers to frequently asked questions.
