Victim Services, Hastings, Prince Edward and Lennox & Addington Counties VOLUNTEERS
 

Potential Victim Services, Hastings, Prince Edward and Lennox& Addington Counties Volunteers Crisis Support Workers may pick up a Volunteer Application Form at the Potential Victim Services, Hastings, Prince Edward and Lennox& Addington office.   Additionally, you could contact us at: ccaresvictimassistance@bellnet.ca

 - To view the Volunteer Job Description Click Here

- To view an article about one of our volunteers Click Here

 

VOLUNTEER CRISIS SUPPORT WORKER ROLE
The primary role of volunteers in the Victim Services program is to provide front line crisis support. This includes short-term emotional support, practical assistance and dissemination of information to victims of crime, tragedy and disaster on site or by telephone.
Volunteers offer assistance in many ways, depending upon the type of occurrence. They suggest appropriate options\choices often at a time when victims are not always able to make sound decisions due to traumatic circumstances.
Volunteers listen empathetically, validate feelings, provide follow up subsequent to police intervention and deliver an information and referral program for longer term  assistance and support.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Complete and submit application to the Potential Victim Services, Hastings, Prince Edward and Lennox& Addington office

Interview by staff to determine suitability

Consent to background security check (CPIC - Canadian Police Information Centre)

40 hours of initial training sessions held in the spring or fall and include policies and procedures, safety, grief, bereavement and suicide, domestic violence, sexual assault, effective communication skills, criminal justice system

At end of training process, considered for volunteer position.

 

VOLUNTEERS ARE EXPECTED TO:

Act as professional, courteous ambassadors of the service

Obey confidentiality

Volunteers need to be confidential, nonjudgmental, empathetic, resourceful with very good common sense.

Be on call for three – twelve hour shifts per month (7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.) or (7:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.)

Attend five volunteer meetings per year

Swear to an Oath of Secrecy

 

 Commit to at least one year of service

Ongoing volunteer training assists the volunteer to understand the services provided by other community agencies who will provide longer term support and assistance if necessary

 

 

VOLUNTEERS PROVIDE:

Short-term emotional support and practical assistance 24/7, either on scene or by telephone.

Assist victims to cope with the impact of crime and/or tragic circumstance

Encourage victims to connect with appropriate service support

Police officers with the opportunity of leaving to attend to other calls or allowing them to concentrate on investigational procedures knowing that the victims are being assisted.