Crisis Line Volunteer (age 21+)

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What is Lines for Life?

Lines for Life is a non-profit dedicated to preventing substance abuse and suicide and promoting mental wellness.

The Lines for Life crisis call center provides hope through free, confidential crisis intervention and referral services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls are taken by staff and volunteers who are carefully screened, interviewed, and extensively trained in how to support callers. We provide compassionate assistance to those in moments of intensity, employing evidence-based techniques to de-escalate crisis and connect callers to ongoing support services, including mental health counseling, alcohol and drug treatment, and other resources.

Lines for Life took over 167,000 calls in 2021 on our crisis lines.

What do Crisis Line Volunteers do?

Our Crisis Line Volunteers answer calls in-person at our Portland-based call center. We do not currently offer remote opportunities for volunteering. Crisis Line Volunteers come from diverse experiential and educational backgrounds. Each volunteer works with callers to address thoughts of suicide, substance abuse issues, loneliness, and more. Volunteers have a non-judgmental attitude, emotional intelligence, and the ability to make a long-term weekly commitment.

What sort of training is involved for Crisis Line Volunteers?

• 40+ hours of professional training and ongoing learning opportunities
• Opportunities to become certified in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
• 600 hours toward CADC, including monthly clinical supervision (when available)
• Skills and experience in clinical excellence
• A community of compassionate, skilled, and supportive team members

Opportunity Requirements:

Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older to participate in this opportunity.
Volunteers must be able to travel to our office.
Volunteers commit to a weekly 4-hour shift for a minimum of 200 hours on the lines following training.

How Do I Sign Up?

Please visit our website at www.linesforlife.org/volunteer/ and register on our interest list to be notified of upcoming opportunities and next steps!