Opportunities From: VolunteerME Mid Coast Maine

Volunteer: Helpline Advocate

Responsible to: Operations & Volunteer Management Coordinator

Description of Role: Make a positive difference in the lives of sexual assault survivors. Helpline advocates provide listening, support, and information over the phone to those impacted by sexual violence. Advocates also accompany survivors during medical forensic exams at local hospitals and if a survivor chooses to report to police. Advocates receive a stipend of $3/hour during helpline shifts, and a flat rate of $40 during accompaniments. Gas is reimbursed at $0.56/mile. Training is provided, and volunteer advocates will always have access to a staff member in case of questions or needing support.

Primary Responsibilities:

Respond to helpline callers with empathy and supportive listening

Respond in person to hospital and law enforcement accompaniments.

Secondary Responsibilities:

Complete Advocate Training, and engage in continuing education

Meet monthly for supervision with the Operations & Volunteer Management Coordinator

Log all helpline calls and accompaniments

Log all hours spent on the helpline and receiving supervision

Make mandated reports to CPS and APS when necessary

Skills/Qualifications Needed:

Driver’s License

Willing to complete background check, including fingerprinting

Comfortability around conversations about sexual violence

Empathetic 

Desired Experience:

Experience in social services

Time Commitment: Helpline advocates are expected to be on the helpline for two 12-hour shifts a month. Advocates are welcome to go about their lives as usual while on call, as long as they can respond to calls in a private location within 15 minutes. Volunteers choose their own shifts.

Organization: Sexual Assault Support Services Of Midcoast Maine

Responsible to: Operations & Volunteer Management Coordinator

Description of Role: Make a positive difference in the lives of sexual assault survivors. Helpline advocates provide listening, support, and information over the phone to those impacted by sexual violence. Advocates also accompany survivors during medical forensic exams at local hospitals and if a survivor chooses to report to police. Advocates receive a stipend of $3/hour during helpline shifts, and a flat rate of $40 during accompaniments. Gas is reimbursed at $0.56/mile. Training is provided, and volunteer advocates will always have access to a staff member in case of questions or needing support.

Primary Responsibilities:

Respond to helpline callers with empathy and supportive listening

Respond in person to hospital and law enforcement accompaniments.

Secondary Responsibilities:

Complete Advocate Training, and engage in continuing education

Meet monthly for supervision with the Operations & Volunteer Management Coordinator

Log all helpline calls and accompaniments

Log all hours spent on the helpline and receiving supervision

Make mandated reports to CPS and APS when necessary

Skills/Qualifications Needed:

Driver’s License

Willing to complete background check, including fingerprinting

Comfortability around conversations about sexual violence

Empathetic 

Desired Experience:

Experience in social services

Time Commitment: Helpline advocates are expected to be on the helpline for two 12-hour shifts a month. Advocates are welcome to go about their lives as usual while on call, as long as they can respond to calls in a private location within 15 minutes. Volunteers choose their own shifts.

Organization: Sexual Assault Support Services Of Midcoast Maine

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 04011

Allow Groups: No