Flexible Schedule
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Virtual Opportunity
Are you compassionate and a good listener? Do you want to empower others in their recovery? SyrPeer offers warmline, virtual, and group supports to people living with emotional or mental health challenges. We do this by using the principles of recovery to enhance the well-being of our members. A community of peers answers warmline calls, people with lived experience who want to share their experiences to empower others. SyrPeer’s support is peer advised with professional training, mentorship, and ongoing volunteer support services. We are actively expanding and looking for volunteers interested in volunteering in the afternoon and on weekends, though other shifts are available. Opportunities are as follows: -Community Outreach (In-Person Syracuse, NY) -Direct Peer Support (Community Support) -Fundraising (Raffle Sales/Solicitation) -Group Facilitation (Virtual Setting) -Program and Training Development -TalkLife (Online Support) -Warmline (Incoming Calls) Volunteers are the ones who answer calls, chat with our members, and help people find support and resources. We accomplished this support by sharing our lived experience of mental health challenges in building trust and hope. Our organization believes peer-to-peer connections are powerful and that everyone deserves to have supports they need to recover and thrive. As a volunteer, you will gain on-the-job experience in the mental health and nonprofit fields, build support skills through an extensive training program, and learn more about local resources and community-based organizations. You will also help our members feel heard, understood, and supported by someone who has also been there. We’re also happy to provide references and letters of recommendation for volunteers who meet time commitment expectations. Volunteer Key Responsibilities Answer warmline calls (Warmline Volunteers) Conduct online supports through approved platforms (TalkLife Volunteers) Use resources to find helpful referrals for our members Use active listening skills Share personal lived experiences with members Record information on interactions Collaborate with other volunteers and staff Respond to crises according to procedures Make and keep appointments with members of the community (Peer Support Volunteers) Assist in fundraising efforts and raffle sales (Fundraising Volunteers) Assist in community outreach efforts (Community Outreach) Training All warmline and direct support volunteers must complete the following 36 hours of classroom training before supporting members At least two shadow shifts with a peer mentor before providing support Ongoing peer mentorship and continuing education training Enrollment, if not already, in APS or CTAC/MTAC training for state certification(s) Registration, if not already, in CPI for ongoing training All other volunteers must complete the following 9 hours of classroom training on SyrPeer’s systems At least two shadow shifts with a peer mentor before independent work Ongoing peer mentorship and continued education training Enrollment, if not already, in CPI of continuing training Essential Skill and Abilities Needed Personal, lived experience of mental health challenges and willingness to discuss these experiences with A love for talking with people and making connections Patience and a nonjudgmental approach to mental health diversity Understanding of peer support and active listening Typing and basic computer skills, and the ability to use a smartphone Organization, focus, and attention to detail Experience with keeping confidential information Calm in stressful situations Ability to de-escalate conflicts Commitment to SyrPeer’s mission and values Time Commitment Our members trust that someone will be there when they contact us. We depend on volunteers to be reliable, punctual and dedicated to their work. Specifically, we ask volunteers to commit to: Volunteering with SyrPeer for at least six months Working at least one 4-hour shift per week Attending periodical meetings (volunteers who complete training and begin working but cannot meet these expectations will not be allowed to volunteer further.) Selection Process Applicants selected to move forward will need to complete an interview to help us get to know you and assess your potential fit. Our volunteers are chosen based on their combined experience, skills, knowledge, understanding of the role, and availability for shifts. If chosen as a SyrPeer Volunteer, you need to attend a training series. The training series is scheduled to occur during daytime hours on Saturdays and Tuesdays for two consecutive weeks. Volunteers must be able to participate in all sessions. Those who have scheduling conflicts may be asked to wait until the next training series to join.
Date Posted: May 6, 2022
