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Victim Service Volunteers should be
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Mature
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Responsible
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Have good communication skills
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Ability or experience to deal with crisis situations
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A minimum of one year volunteer commitment
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Willing to submit personal references, Police Records Check, and
attend an interview with VCARS staff and/or delegate(s)
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Personal suitability to provide sensitive, emotionally safe, and
effective service to victims on behalf of VCARS
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Knowledge of community resources
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Knowledge of law, as pertaining to victims
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Own transportation, a preference
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Willing to complete minimum standards training and ongoing
meeting and training development
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Committed to volunteering at least two twelve(12) hour
shifts per month
Position Summary
After successful completion of a (standardized) minimum 40-hour
volunteer training and orientation, potential volunteers may be qualified as
VCARS volunteers. Once qualified, the volunteer, always working as a
crisis team, will respond immediately to request from police services to provide
culturally appropriate short-term emotional support and practical assistance to victims of crime,
tragic circumstances, or disaster. The volunteer will ensure that
appropriate options and/or referrals for longer-term assistance are provided to
the victim.
Direct Service Responsibilities
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Respond immediately to requests for victim assistance from
police officers and emergency service workers by attending on-site or an alternate safe premise. On
occasion, crisis assistance may be done by telephone.
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Provide emotional support and companionship, including answering
questions and providing information that will help to lessen the impact of the
crisis for the victim.
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Assure victims of confidentiality.
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Provide practical assistance as needed this may include
transportation and/or accompanying victim to emergency services, e.g. a shelter
or hospital, making phone calling upon request or alternate arrangements as
required, helping to secure premises and other similar tasks.
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Identify longer term needs by responding to victims 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
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Reporting activity to the VCARS Executive Director or designate
upon completion of call
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Completing client contact form and submitting to the office with
in the next working day.
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Participating in the evaluation of the call and providing
relevant information to the VCARS Executive Director for client follow-up
Other Duties and Responsibilities
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Ongoing participation in monthly training meetings and any other
volunteer training events as scheduled.
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Reporting back to the VCARS Executive Director or
designate following every victim assistance call or assignment. Individual
attention or debriefing will be available to assist every volunteer.
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Bringing to the VCARS Executive Director's attention any
inappropriate volunteer behaviour or victim complaint that could adversely
affect the VCARS program.
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Responsible for ensuring pagers/phones are in good working
order and returned at end of shift.
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Completion of expense statement for mileage and out-of-pocket
expenses.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer
and would like more information or a volunteer application
Please contact the VCARS office
(705) 368-9945
Email us for more information!
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