Active Listener for Crisis Calls

Want to work as a Crisis Listener?

Community Helpline is staffed by rigorously trained Volunteer and Intern Crisis Listeners. All volunteers and interns must attend and successfully complete up to 25 hours of Listening and Communications Training. If you want to serve the community and join our volunteer force, please e-mail or call us at the number provided below.

Position Type: Internship, Volunteer.

Description: Community Helpline empowers high school, college, and community members to be empathetic listeners through our active listening training. Crisis listener volunteers and interns will answer the crisis hotline and assist callers in need.

Our rigorous training classes are held in the summer, fall, and spring. This training takes place in the South Bay area of Los Angeles. Classes are held twice a week for 4 weeks from 5 pm to 7.30 pm. With the successful completion of training. Listeners then begin at least 9 hours on the helpline under the guidance of an experienced and seasoned listener.

This training will equip someone with new listening skills in the following areas: reflective and nonjudgmental listening, avoidance of giving advice and deriving solutions, and providing empowerment and support to the caller.

Volunteers must give a 1-year commitment of 1 shift a week (shifts are 3 hours) or 2 shifts a week for 6 months. Interns must give a 9-month commitment of 3 shifts a week (shifts are 3 hours) or 4 shifts a week for 5 months.

The minimum requirements are age 16 or older, must be able to communicate effectively in English, and can clear a live scan fingerprinting and background check.

The comprehensive training program is designed to equip you with the essential skills and confidence needed to provide compassionate and effective support to those in need. This program consists of two mandatory, in-depth phases, ensuring you're fully prepared before taking calls independently.

Phase 1: Group Training (4 Weeks, In-Person): This intensive four-week in-person training takes place twice a week. Each session is divided into two parts:

• Presentations and Lectures: Gain valuable insights from guest speakers and experts in relevant fields. These sessions cover foundational knowledge and best practices crucial for helpline work.
• Small Group Role-Playing: Apply your learning in practical, supportive small group settings. Through facilitated role-play exercises, you'll develop your communication and active listening skills in a safe environment.

Phase 2: Individual Mentorship & Shadowing (Approximately 1 Month)

Upon successful completion of the group training, you'll transition to individualized mentorship. Over approximately one month, you'll complete 5 to 9 shifts in the office, with each shift lasting three hours. During this phase, you'll be paired with experienced helpline listeners who will provide one-on-one guidance, support, and feedback as you prepare to take calls independently. This is a crucial step in building your confidence and refining your skills. For the first week following the group training, you must provide availability for a minimum of three days to ensure a smooth transition into the mentorship phase.

Important Note: Both phases of this training program are mandatory for all individuals before they can begin taking calls independently. Failure to complete the individual mentorship portion may result in being asked to step down from volunteering or being deferred to a future training cohort.

Please complete the application attached to this job posting, write an essay about yourself and why you would like to be a volunteer with CHL, and a resume, then email all three to chl@chelpline.org.