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Volunteer Responsibilities
Much is expected of CrisisLink’s volunteers. Our volunteers become experts in crisis and suicide, maintain a high degree of competence in skills and procedures, and adhere to National standards for crisis hotlines and hotline volunteers.
CrisisLink volunteers are considered to be first responders, on par with police and fire fighters.
Our volunteers are required to:
- Respond to each caller’s concerns within CrisisLink’s philosophies, providing service that is empathic, non-judgmental. and non-directive.
- Staff every hotline shift according to their agreed-on schedule.
- Arrange coverage, following CrisisLink policy and procedures, when they're unable to attend their shift.
- Maintain a high level of procedural skills through regular review of CrisisLink materials.
- Maintain a high level of active listening skills.
- Maintain ongoing awareness of CrisisLink’s trainings, announcements, and events.
- Fulfill their volunteer commitment.
Although much is expected from our volunteers, much is gained. Also, the more one puts into this experience, the more he or she will get out of it.
Being a CrisisLink volunteer can be one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. It provides an opportunity for personal growth, increased self-awareness, and heightened sensitivity to other people — qualities that last a lifetime.