Volunteer Sexual Assault Crisis Counselor

Do you want to be a front line advocate working with victims, families, police, hospitals, and court? The Rape Crisis Center of Milford offers training for state-certified sexual assault crisis counselors as defined in CT General Statute 52-146(k).

Requirements:

• Volunteers must reside within 30 minutes of each hospital or police department in RCC's catchment area. (Milford, Ansonia, Derby, Orange, Shelton, Seymour, & West Haven)
• Must have reliable transportation
• 18 years of age or older
• NO counseling experience required! Just a listening ear and a commitment to our mission
• Sign a year-long commitment for 2 shifts per month

Training:

• The Center accepts applications for volunteers all year round
• If you are accepted into the program, you are required to attend 40 hours of training designated under the statute in order to be certified as a Sexual Assault Crisis Counselor in the state of CT.
• There is a $50 fee for all training and volunteer materials.
• Training topics include:

o Sexual assault definitions, myths, and facts

o Crisis intervention techniques

o Sexual Harassment

o Child sexual assault

o Domestic violence

o Diverse populations

o Counseling

o Suicide Prevention

o Police investigations

o Forensic evidence collection

o Hospital accompaniment and medical procedures

o Counselor/ advocate procedures

o Court process and the law

Responsibilities:

• Cover 24-7, free and confidential hotline during non-office hours (remote)
• Volunteer 2 shifts per month unless otherwise discussed with the Volunteer Coordinator. Shift times are as follows:

o Monday-Thursday 5:00pm-7:30am

o Friday 5:00pm - 8:00am

o Weekends and Holidays: 8:00am-8:00pm or 8:00pm-8:00am

• Respond in a timely manner to any police stations or hospitals in our catchment area to provide advocacy
• Maintain confidentiality and abide by all other Rape Crisis Center of Milford policies
• Attend monthly volunteer meetings for case discussion, training, and other important information
• Maintain proper documentation for every client and discuss with staff appropriately

Internships:

• All volunteers, regardless of student status, are eligible for internships with the Rape Crisis Center of Milford
• Interns have the opportunity to work in the office and have more direct contact with clients, seeing the day to day operations of a victim services agency
• Supervision is completed by the Director of Victim Services; MS in Criminal Justice degree (we do not offer clinical supervision)
• RCC requires that interns be certified under CT General Statute 52-146(k) and commit to volunteer shifts for the full year, unless previously discussed.