Volunteer Advocate

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Provide confidential support, advocacy, and accompaniment for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and hate crimes at hospitals and/or victims of sexual assault and hate crimes at police departments throughout Rhode Island.

• Provide in-person services to victims/survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and hate crimes on an on-call basis for at least one 6.5-hour shift per week
• Be available for all assigned shifts unless special arrangements have been made in advance with the Advocacy Coordinator
• Be available for any and all go-outs that come to you during your assigned shift
• Be available for services statewide at all hospitals and police departments
• Respond to appropriate facility as called, within a timely manner (at least within one hour)
• Maintain reports for each hospital and/or police call and email/fax/drop off to Advocacy Coordinator within 1 business day
• If unable to work assigned shift, take responsibility for finding another advocate to cover AND call/email Advocacy Coordinator AND BVAC at least 24 hours in advance
• Collaborate/maintain a good rapport with Helpline staff and other advocates
• Maintain good boundaries and adhere to the confidentiality policy for all Helpline calls
• Utilize the Helpline for emergencies or questions while on shift
• Adhere to Helpline policies and procedures

• Must be 18 years or older
• Reliable means of transportation and valid driver’s license
• Successful completion of 30-hour Helpline training
• Commitment and sensitivity to issues related to the needs of victims of crime
• If a survivor, must be at least one year past incident and not currently involved with the criminal or civil justice systems
• Ability to be non-judgmental and open-minded when working with victims of crime
• Ability to work well under pressure, utilizing critical thinking and crisis intervention skills
• Attend any mandatory volunteer meetings
• Fill a minimum of (1) one, 6.5-hour shift per week
• Fulfill one-year commitment