Together We Give Hope

Volunteer Crisis Services Responder Application

Apply to be a Volunteer Crisis Services Responder
STEP 1 of 2: Review Job Description

Role:

The Volunteer Crisis Services Responder will answer calls and chats, under the supervision of Distress Services staff, while working in collaboration with staff and other Volunteer Crisis Services Responders. This position will work within the Crisis Centre Distress Services Program’s ethical guidelines, policies, and service provision framework.

Responsibilities:

  • Must reside in the lower mainland during all Trainings and all Volunteering
  • Must agree to complete eight Overnight Shifts (12am – 6am)
  • Must agree to do one 8pm – 12am shift per month for a total of 12 shifts
  • Must be able to sign up for weekly shifts 4 weeks in advance
  • Work with callers/chatters, volunteers, and staff in a respectful and professional manner
  • Maintain client confidentiality within the parameters defined by the Crisis Centre
  • Participate in skill development training and skill monitoring as required
  • Screen all calls for lethality and follow risk assessment and safety planning protocol
  • Provide crisis intervention and support as outlined by Crisis Centre policy and procedure
  • Provide appropriate referrals using Crisis Centre vetted resources
  • Consult and debrief with Crisis Centre staff regularly per policy
  • Participate in other Crisis Centre activities, events, and workshops as desired

Volunteer Commitment:

  • 102 hours of basic training & 8 hours of reading/online assignment
  • Completion of 40 and 160 hours at the 3 and 9 month mark respectively during the 250 hour commitment
  • 250 hours on the distress line (Mandatory 4 hours/week)
  • 8 overnight shifts (included in 250 hour commitment)
  • Complete one 8pm – 12am shift per month for a total of 12 shifts
  • Minimum of 4 weeks of advanced sign-up
  • 24 hours of advanced skill/follow-up training
  • Participate in in-service workshops and trainings

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

  • Ability to convey respect and care to people in crisis
  • Willingness to receive and apply constructive feedback
  • Comfortable and competent using computers
  • Ability to demonstrate critical thinking skills
  • Ability to work independently within a team
  • Proficiency in verbal and written English
  • Ability to multi-task
  • Willingness to engage in ongoing training for the tenure of your volunteer work with the Crisis Centre
  • Willingness to align to the Crisis Centre policies and protocols
  • Life experience or education that enhances the knowledge or serves the needs of the community, preferred
  • Successful completion of Crisis Centre basic training

Benefits:

  • Basic and advanced training in crisis intervention and suicide prevention
  • In-service workshops from various community agencies
  • Eligibility for reference letters (after 250 hours with distress services including 8 overnights and completion of 3 and 9 month training & skills monitoring)
  • Connection to community
  • Leadership in senior volunteer activities

Application:

Please note that due to limited enrollment and the number of applications we receive, submitting an application does not guarantee admission to the training or an invitation to our Information Night.

It is your responsibility to ensure all the fields in the application form are completed accurately and thoroughly and for the form to be submitted by the application deadline.

To ensure your best chances in proceeding through the application process, ensure your application meets the following requirements:

  • You reside in Greater Vancouver Lower Mainland area only. All volunteer work is performed in person in Vancouver.  You may apply directly to other Crisis Centres if you live outside of this area
  • You are age 19 at the time the next training group starts
  • Secure 3 professional references in advance prior to beginning the application process (We strongly recommend that you obtain permission from your references before listing them.)
    • Professional references are individuals who have known you for more than six months. Please include a current/past employer, teacher, professor, volunteer coordinator, or someone who knows you in a professional setting and can comment on your skills. (We cannot accept: friends, family, spouses /partners, counsellors/therapists, etc.)
    • Email contact for professional references are required (Due to the number of applicants we receive, we conduct reference checks via email only)

If You Agree To The Above Requirements
STEP 2 of 2: Complete An Application Form

IMPORTANT – We will close our website to applications once we have enough suitable candidates to choose from to create a Training Group.

Click Here to Complete Volunteer Crisis Services Responder Application Form

We recommend that you have 3 professional references arranged before beginning the application process.