Crisis Line at Domestic Violence Shelter

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Volunteer Position: Crisis Line Volunteer

Purpose of Position: Assist callers with information about domestic violence, provide emotional support, facilitate access to agency services and offer referrals

Volunteer benefits:

• Increased understanding of domestic violence and its surrounding issues
• Contributing to a community effort to eliminate violence in the home
• Opportunity to serve and support victims of domestic violence and those in their support system
• Develop crisis intervention skills which are useful in a variety of settings
• Opportunity to contribute to the improvement of the lives of others and your community
• Opportunity to learn about different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds
• Increased knowledge of community resources
• Active volunteers may obtain reference and/or recommendation letters

Minimum commitment: Volunteers must be able to commit to the program for a twelve month period and work a minimum of three hours per week.

Principle Responsibilities and Duties:

• Assess the needs of callers
• Provide non-directive emotional support
• Provide accurate and appropriate information about domestic violence and agency services
• Facilitate linkages with programs both inside and outside TWSH
• Prepare proper documentation for files and statistical gathering
• Advise staff of any pertinent disclosures or problem situations
• Represent TWSH in a positive and professional manner at all times
• Submission of Volunteer Timesheet after each shift
• Ensure confidentiality at all times
• Contact staff as far in advance as possible if unable to make a shift
• Other duties as negotiated

Qualifications and characteristics:

• Successful completion of 40-hour Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault training and other specialized training
• Ability to work as a team-member in a culturally diverse environment
• Maintain a supportive, empowering and non-judgmental attitude with victims of domestic violence
• Must be friendly, patient and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to tolerate an uneven work pace
• Dependable, prompt and mature
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Willingness to accept supervision and guidance
• Willingness to attend volunteer meetings and continuing education programs
• Ability to remain calm and think clearly in crisis situations