Hotline Volunteers Needed!!!

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The REACH Center of Columbia and Greene Counties is looking for volunteers to become certified rape crisis counselors in order to staff our 24-hour hotline when the offices are closed. Hotline volunteers provide telephone and in-person crisis intervention, support and information. Volunteers have pagers and are able to work from their homes. This is a great opportunity to gain real-life experience in victim advocacy and human services.

Volunteers provide a crucial role for our agency. Hotline volunteers complete a comprehensive 40-hour training covering the various aspects of sexual assault, victimization, crisis intervention and counseling, the medical and legal systems, and the role of the advocate. Volunteers are comprised of community members who have in interest in helping people. The main requirements are compassion, an ability to listen, and the willingness to help.

Volunteers typically are on-call two-four nights per month, working from their homes, and responding to calls that come in to our hotline. Training for new volunteers is offered two times a year. The ability to listen, understand, and empathize with callers is needed. Hotline volunteers must be able to meet with the victims and advocate for their rights in medical and legal settings. In addition, volunteers must attend monthly meetings for supervision and ongoing training.

Anyone over 18 may be a volunteer. Potential volunteers have a screening interview before training begins. A free, 40-hour intensive training course covers topics such as crisis intervention, counseling skills, hotline procedures, medical and legal advocacy, and working with various populations, including children. Through the training program, volunteers gain an understanding of the issues surrounding sexual assault and its impact on victims. Trainings are an excellent source of experience for anyone interested in working in human services, women's rights, or hospital or legal systems!

Please contact Laura Engelman at lengelman@mhacg.org or 518-828-4181 x 3179 for more information.