Crisis Response Volunteers
Crisis Response Volunteer Position Description
1. The volunteer will receive direction and support from the Volunteer Coordinator.
2. The volunteer responds to a crisis situation (i.e. calls to the scene) and provides:
o Emotional support to the victim(s).
o Answers questions and provides referral information for further assistance.
o Court information and assistance (referral to Victim/Witness Assistance).
o Information on Victim Quick Response Program (VQRP+).
o Education on crime prevention and home security measures (i.e. Neighbourhood Watch).
o Provides assistance with any practical support necessary.
o Crisis intervention and mediation for immediate situation only.
o Referral to Coordinator for any follow-up service, as necessary.
3. The volunteer submits a written report the next day of the occurrence.
4. Volunteers are required to attend ongoing training sessions and volunteer meetings.
5. Volunteers must be responsible for their time commitment.
Requirements for Volunteering:
* You must be 21 years of age or older.
* You must be willing to submit a police clearance.
* You must be willing to complete 60 hours of training. Training is held two evenings a week from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. If you fail to attend more than two evenings, you will be asked to begin in a new training session.
* Volunteers must attend ongoing training sessions as they are offered.
* Commit to a minimum of one year of volunteer activity.
* Be willing to sign up for a minimum of three volunteer shifts a month.
* Crisis response volunteers must have use of a car and possess a valid driver’s license and auto insurance.
* Should your application be approved, NSVS is unable to provide a written letter of reference until you have volunteered for one year.
To access a volunteer application, click here. Your application will be kept on file until NSVCS’ next volunteer training session. Training opportunities are held once a year in the spring.
Training for Volunteers
Complete, in-depth training is provided to all North Simcoe Victim Services (NSVS) volunteers. The curriculum includes service delivery, crisis intervention, the impact of trauma, and an awareness of the issues faced by victims. This includes family violence, sexual assault, grief/bereavement, robbery, trauma, and the criminal justice process.
The community has been most supportive of the programme as indicated by the below list. All the speakers donate their time to participate in these sessions, to help make our community a better place to live in. The timing of the sessions may change slightly with each class.
Training topics include but not limited to:
- Crisis Intervention Skills Principles of Ethics and Helping
- Assault
- Intimate Partner Violence
- Elder Abuse
- Multi-Casualty Occurrences
- Suicide Awareness Cultural Awareness
- Self Care
- Death, Grief and Bereavement
- Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario
- Victim Quick Response Program
We Crisis Response Volunteers!
Find out how to help and make a real difference in people’s lives. We are always looking for volunteers. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for more information.