Volunteer Medical Advocate

Are you looking to make an impact? NWCASA is searching for volunteers to support survivors of sexual violence in local hospitals and on crisis calls.

Description-

The role of a volunteer advocate is to provide support to the 24/7 crisis hotline. This includes answering calls, providing information and referrals on calls, responding to partner hospitals in NWCASA’s service area, and providing documentation within a timely manner. Advocates work directly with survivors of sexual assault and their significant others.

Hourly Commitment-

Open availability to self schedule in increments of 6 hour shifts. Our shift schedule runs 12am-6am, 6am-12pm, 12pm-6pm, 6pm-12am.

Responsibilities-

• Must commit to completing the 40-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Training prior to shadowing or taking shifts
• Must shadow a call prior to taking calls alone
• Must be able to attend at least 1 continuing education training per quarter
• Must submit paperwork to their supervisor in a timely manner (within 24 hours of a call)
• Must uphold all of NWCASA’s stipulations in the volunteer agreement and handbook

24/7 Hotline Crisis Intervention Overview-

• Answer calls during designated shifts
• Hotline Crisis Calls- individuals looking for immediate support and help
• Hotline Information/Referral Calls- individuals looking for information or resourcesavailable to them
• Hospital Calls- survivors present in an ER who need an advocate to provide emotional support, appropriate information, and referrals if necessary
• Abide by NWCASA’s mission statement
• Respect and maintain confidentiality of clients and their significant others

Skills and Qualifications-

• Volunteers must complete 40-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Training
• Volunteer must complete an additional individual onboarding training to ensure readiness and comfortability in taking hotline shifts
• Must be 18 years or older
• Knowledge of sexual violence issues
• Ability to deal sensitively with victims of sexual violence and their significant others
• Able to work independently and to prioritize/organize tasks
• Able to provide their own transportation to reach hospitals in the NWCASA service area within the state mandated 1 hour response time
• Has not received any services from NWCASA within the past year