Sexual Violence Crisis Line Volunteers Needed

Our volunteer advocates go through a 40-hour training after which they are Certified Volunteer Advocates in the state of Minnesota.After completing training, our volunteers answer our 24/7 crisis line offering a caring voice to provide emotional support, referrals, and information for victims of sexual assault and other crimes. Additionally, volunteer advocates assist victims/survivors at the hospital during a sexual assault exam as well as law enforcement interviews.Crisis line shifts are nightly from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. as well as weekend and holiday days from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Crisis line advocates are able to respond to crisis line calls from their homes.When a volunteer has the crisis line, they are required to stay at their house the entire shift unless they are called out to respond to Saint Marys Emergency Department. Volunteers will be trained to answer crisis calls, help with de-escalation, safety planning, and connecting callers to resources. Volunteers are also trained to respond out to Saint Marys Emergency Department to support a victim of Sexual Assault. Before volunteering all volunteers must take the free 40-hour Sexual Assault Training.Free 40-hour Sexual Assault Advocacy TrainingTypically held twice a year (Fall and Spring)Broken up into 10 weekday evening sessions (ex. 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.)Volunteers need to attend all sessions, and can make up two sessions if neededMinimum requirements to volunteerMust be 18+ years old to volunteerLive within a 30-minute response time to Saint Marys Emergency DepartmentPass a background checkBe able to complete the 40 Hour Sexual Assault Advocacy TrainingAble to take one shift per monthInterested in volunteering?We are always looking for dedicated volunteers. If interested, please fill out an application on the Olmsted