Volunteer Crisis Counselor Training

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Our 65-hour state certified crisis counselor training provides you with the tools to become a crisis advocate with survivors of sexual assault & intimate partner violence in our community.

As a nonprofit organization that serves victims/survivors of intimate partner violence & sexual assault/abuse and their loved ones, RISE provides comprehensive programs, services and resources to the community. Our services include a 24-hour crisis line, accompaniment and advocacy on behalf of survivors dealing with partner agencies, in-person crisis counseling, clinical therapy, case management, emergency shelter, prevention education programs, support groups, and assistance with applying for restraining orders.

The tagline of RISE - Respect. Inspire. Support. Empower. - embodies the work of RISE. We believe that RESPECT is the cornerstone to ending violence and creating peace. We strive to INSPIRE the community to be active in the movement to end gender-based violence. We SUPPORT loved ones of those affected by sexual assault/abuse and intimate partner violence and we EMPOWER victims to heal from trauma and transform their lives.

Our Mission: Transform the lives of sexual and intimate partner violence survivors, their families and the community through services and education that promote safety, healing and empowerment.

Our Vision: A world free of sexual and intimate partner violence.

- Crisis Support: Provide information, support & advocacy to survivors & loved ones on our after-hours hotline.
- Accompaniments: Accompany survivors at law enforcement interviews & medical forensic exams.
- Advocacy: Interact with partner agencies to advocate for survivors' rights and their loved ones.
- Emergency Shelter: Intake & transport clients into our emergency shelters, orienting them and providing support throughout.

- Prevention Education: Assist our education team with prevention programs & community organizing in the classroom and community.
- Community Outreach: Staff information tables at community health fairs, farmer's markets, and other events.

- A passion for ending intimate partner violence & sexual assault.
- Patient, empathetic and sensitive to the diverse needs and backgrounds of clients.
- Ability (or willingness to learn) to communicate effectively with people in crisis and remain calm during crisis situations.
- Must maintain complete client & shelter location confidentiality.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) language capabilities are strongly preferred, but not required.
- Past/present perpetrators of abuse are not eligible to participate in training.

While survivors of Intimate Partner Violence and/or Sexual Assault are welcome, they must be emotionally ready to assist other survivors. As the training and work can be triggering, we encourage abundant self-awareness, self-care and a significant amount of healing prior to enrolling in the class.

RISE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, religion, national origin, veteran status, or on the basis of disability. We strive to offer inclusive, accessible, and accommodating services to everyone in our community by centering & amplifying marginalized voices & experiences within the movement.

Attendance & Commitment:
- Attendance is mandatory at all training sessions.
- Commitment to a minimum of 1 year of volunteer service with the agency.
- Attendance at 8 of 12 monthly in-service (continuing education) meetings per year of service.
- Commitment to 2-3 after-hours crisis hotline shifts (equates to 16-46 hours of on-call time) per month. Your commitment begins the month after your successful completion of the training.

Other Requirements:

- Reliable transportation (for accompaniments & shelter intakes)
- Valid driver’s license.
- Proof of current automobile insurance.
- Cell phone accessibility.
- 18 years old by the time of first crisis shift.
- Successful completion of a fingerprint background check.
- California state certification as an Intimate Partner Violence & Sexual Assault Crisis Counselor in accordance with California Penal Code. (That's what the training is for!)

September 21st - November 20th, 2019

Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:30-9:30pm

Occasional Saturdays 10am-2pm

No class October 21st - 26th

Location: San Luis Obispo, TBD