Volunteer Description

There is always a need for Victim Services volunteer responders in your community. You can make a positive difference in the lives of those who have been affected by crime or tragic circumstance.

Check out our volunteer position description. Does this look like something you could do?

Please call us at 1-888-577-3111 to receive a volunteer application package by mail, or fill out our on-line application form.

POSITION SUMMARY
After successful completion of the standardized volunteer training and evaluation and swearing an oath of confidentiality, potential volunteers may be qualified as a victim services responder with Victim Services of Bruce Grey & Owen Sound. Once qualified, the volunteer, always working as part of a crisis team, will respond immediately to requests from emergency services to provide short term emotional support and practical assistance to victims of crime or tragic circumstance. The volunteer will ensure that appropriate options and/or referrals for longer term assistance are provided to the victim.

TIME COMMITMENT
In order to effectively serve the needs of our communities, our volunteers make a one year commitment during which they are on call for one 12 hour shift per week or four 12 hour shifts per month. Shift start times are 6 a.m. or 6 p.m.
DIRECT SERVICE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Respond immediately to requests for service from emergency services by attending on scene or at an alternate safe location. On occasion, crisis assistance may be provided by telephone.
  
• Provide emotional support which empowers the victim, including answering questions and providing information that will help lessen the impact of the crisis for the victim. Provide practical assistance as needed. This may include transportation and/or accompanying a victim to emergency services (shelters, hospital, etc.), making telephone calls on request or alternate arrangements as required, helping to secure premises and other similar tasks.
  
• Identify longer term needs by responding to the victim’s concerns and supply the victim with appropriate options and referrals to services in the community that will assist them in accessing resources for further assistance
  
• Prepare necessary reports, liaise with emergency services and report to your shift coordinator as necessary
  
• Participate in the evaluation of the call and provide relevant information to the Program Coordinator for client follow-up

• Participating in monthly training meetings and any other volunteer training events as scheduled
  
• Reporting back to the Program Coordinator or designate if a victim services call or assignment is particularly stressful for the attending volunteer(s). Individual debriefing will be available to assist volunteers in need of such assistance.
  
• Advising the Program Coordinator of any inappropriate volunteer behaviour or victim’s complaint that could adversely affect Victim Services of Bruce Grey & Owen Sound
  
• Ensuring that the assigned pager remains in good working order

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of all issues surrounding calls for service to victims, information shared in volunteer training and information about the organization
  
• Mature and responsible
  
• Good written and verbal communication skills
  
• Ability to deal effectively with crisis situations
  
• Ability to commit to one year’s service
  
• Willing to submit personal references, provide a criminal record check and attend an interview

• Suitability to provide sensitive, emotionally safe and effective service to victims on behalf of VSBGOS
  
• Valid driver’s license and own transportation
  
• Willing to complete minimum standards training and evaluation, attend ongoing meetings and educational development opportunities
  
• Ability to work as part of a crisis team