Volunteer Sexual Assault Counselor Advocate

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Do you have a passion for helping your community? Are you empathetic and a good listener? Would you like to help make a difference in the life of someone who has been impacted by sexual violence?

Then consider joining YWCA Carlisle & Cumberland County in our Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis Services Anti-Human Trafficking department for a sexual assault counselor/advocate training to learn about how to offer non-judgmental emotional support, crisis counseling, and resource information to survivors of sexual assault and other interested parties. There is no fee to participate.

The next training begins February 2024 and consists of 10 sessions over Zoom. Advocates must live in close proximity to Cumberland County, PA in order to provide support and resources at county hospitals.

Please contact Jennifer Dimino, Volunteer Coordinator, at (717) 243-3818 or jdimino@ywcacarlisle.org for more detailed information.

Volunteers serve on the 24 hour hotline and will accompany survivors to local hospitals to provide support. As part of the comprehensive 40-hour training, which includes instruction on the psychological, medical, and legal implications of sexual assault, volunteers gain the tools necessary to feel comfortable and be successful in this important role. Crisis intervention and counseling skills are developed through discussion, role-plays, and feedback. Volunteer shifts are performed from your own home, and cover overnights and/or a partial weekend. Volunteers are requested to cover 2 shifts a month which are chosen by you a month in advance.

Volunteers are required to be over 18 years of age, and to have updated Child Abuse, Criminal Background, FBI Fingerprint and National Sex Offender Registry clearances prior to the start of their first hotline shift. We also require a valid driver's license.