The Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre (KSACC) is looking for volunteers to join our crisis line team. Volunteers work a minimum of 4 shifts per month (4:30 pm – 12:00 am and 12:00 am – 8:30 am on weekdays or 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, 4:30 pm – 12:00 am and 12:00 am – 8:30 am on weekends) answering our 24-hour anti-violence crisis line. The crisis line is available to anyone who has experienced sexual violence, sexual abuse, domestic violence or other forms of gender-based violence. Volunteers support callers by providing emotional support, information, and connection to local resources.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Answer the crisis line on your phone (our number is directed to your personal phone—callers DO NOT have access to your phone number) during your scheduled shifts.
- Take part in 8 weeks of training (2 hours per week) before starting to take shifts on the crisis line.
- Provide emotional support, information, and resources to callers.
- Communicate with the Crisis Response Worker on-call when Royal Inland Hospital calls to inform that a patient at the Emergency Department needs accompaniment.
- Provide your availability to the Crisis Response Coordinator each month.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
- Interest in supporting survivors of gender-based violence.
- Access to a phone.
- Availability for a minimum of 4 evening or weekends a month for at least 1 year.
- Criminal record check.
BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING
- Free 8-week training which will provide all the skills volunteers need to respond to crisis calls.
- Ongoing training opportunities and volunteer appreciation events through the Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre.
- Great skills to build a resume for those with an interest in working in social services, support work, counselling and related fields.
- Be involved in the work to support survivors of gender-based violence and give back to your community.
