Volunteer

Volunteer Advocate

Program:

Sexual Assault Survivor Services

Location(s):
All

A Volunteer Advocate, under the direct supervision of the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Coordinator, answers the crisis hotline, responds to emergency response callouts for sexual assault survivors, and assists with workshops/fairs at local schools and throughout the community.

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As a Volunteer Advocate, we ask you to:

• Commit to our agency for the duration of at least one year and are required to work 2 activities a month

• Attend our mandatory monthly training meeting which takes place every third Wednesday of the month from 6pm – 8pm (Currently our mandatory monthly trainings are taking place via Zoom but that is subject to change at any time and return to in-person meetings).

• Understand and agree to maintain standards of quality services to survivors of sexual assault and their families and will strictly observe the principles of confidentiality.

• Agree to commit to six months with the agency and will give a two weeks’ notice when she/he wishes to resign prior to the expiration of their commitment.

• Follow all rules, regulations and guidelines that are set forth by the Office of Emergency Services and Partners Against Violence.

• Complete 40 hours of Office of Emergency Services Crisis Counselor training to be certified regardless of educational background or experience in related fields.

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Role Details

• Crisis Line

  • Shifts are either 6pm – 6am or 6am – 6pm on weekends

  • Volunteers are to be available during their shift.

  • Volunteers are to document all calls on an approved confidential client form provided by the agency.

• Emergency Response

  • Respond to an emergency callout for a sexual assault victim.

  • Call their line supervisor for back-up.

  • Provide accompaniment to victims and advocate as needed.

  • Provide a change of clothing, and hygiene kit for the victim as needed.

  • Provide an information packet.

  • Call in the emergency outreach information the next business day by 10am.

  • Provide follow up calls within 72 hrs.

• Health Fairs/Presentations

  • Coordinate all fairs and presentations with the SART Coordinator.

  • Arrive at all fairs and presentations on time.

  • Take only authorized materials to use during fairs/presentations.

  • Handout presentations surveys and obtain signatures of those present.

  • Turn in paperwork and signed timesheets during the monthly training or mail in by the end of each month.