Crisis Intervention Helpline and Textline Volunteer

Objectives:

Maintains responsibility for Crisis Helpline (calls and texts) coverage on a schedule determined by Crisis Helpline staff. Provides crisis intervention, support, and referrals as appropriate. Completes accurate and concise documentation of calls in a timely manner.

Qualities:

• • Must be age 18+
  • Committed to the Safe Connections mission of reducing the impact and incidence of relationship violence and sexual assault through education, crisis intervention, counseling and support services.
  • Ability to stay calm in response to crisis and recognize personal boundaries for self-care.
  • Displays professional and responsible behavior.
  • Desire to learn about the dynamics of intimate partner violence; including physical, psychological, economic, technological, and sexual abuse, as well as stalking and various forms of sexual violence. Desire to increase understanding of intersectional, trauma-informed advocacy.
  • Ability to listen, communicate effectively, and empower others to make individual choices in an empathetic, non-judgmental way.
  • Understands own strengths, weaknesses, values and the importance of self-care.
  • Ability to explore alternatives and problem solve.
  • Access to a telephone—calls and texts will be forwarded to volunteer’s phone during the scheduled shift. Additionally, volunteers are able to answer texts on a computer.
  • Prefer individuals familiar with the St. Louis metro community as you will provide information about local resources.

Training and Preparation for Job:

• • Participation in initial phone screening and interview.
  • Reference and background check.

All Safe Connections volunteers are required to complete Safe Connections’ introductory training on Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence, and Crisis Helpline training including observations.

Commitments:

• • Must be willing to commit to a minimum of one year as a Crisis Helpline volunteer.
  • Required to cover shifts as determined by the Crisis Helpline staff.
  • Attend Crisis Helpline team meetings and participate in continued education opportunities.

Procedures:

• • Give advance notice to Crisis Helpline staff of shift cancellation.
  • If possible, find volunteer replacement and notify agency of changes.
  • Turn in Crisis Helpline documentation to the agency within 48 hours of shift.
  • Notify Crisis Helpline staff one month in advance to request temporary leave of absence or submit permanent resignation.
  • Safe Connections Resource Manual will be provided to volunteers as a reference tool for shifts on the helpline; volunteers will need to return these binders upon completion of service or resignation.

Accountability

Accountable to the Crisis Helpline staff for carrying out assigned responsibilities and for following agency policies and procedures. Safe Connections is a not-for-profit organization that works to reduce the impact and incidence of relationship violence and sexual assault through education, crisis intervention, counseling, and support services. Safe Connections is an equal opportunity employer and seeks diversity in its community. Employment decisions are based on merit and organizational needs, not on race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law.