FAQ
What will I be doing as a volunteer?
Our volunteers fill two vital roles for us here at CVAC. The role of the crisis line volunteer is to provide support and assistance to victims via the 24-hour agency crisis hotline. This includes listening, making appropriate referrals, providing crisis intervention, and dispatching victim advocates, while maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality. The role of the volunteer advocate is to provide support and assistance to victims as they move through the legal and/or medical process. Advocates respond to requests that are made by hospital staff and local police via the crisis line.
What is the time commitment?
The initial training is 40 hours, half of which will be completed at home by the volunteer (videos, links, online courses), and the other half will be completed here at CVAC on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
Is there a certification?
After the training (and a 6 month probationary period) you will be a certified N.Y.S. Rape Crisis Counselor. In order to maintain this certification you will need to complete 10 hours of ongoing training annually through webinars, in-services, books and videos. Opportunities will be provided but completion of the 10 hours is the responsibility of the volunteer.
Do I have to come in to the agency to volunteer?
No! Volunteers answer the crisis line from their own home. Advocates are “on call” and will be called on their home or cell phone if an advocate is needed at the hospital/police station.
Who funds the volunteer program and CVAC?
Funding for our volunteer program is provided by the N.Y.S. Office of Victim Services and the N.Y.S. Department of Health.
Is there a cost associated with this training?
Yes. HOWEVER, we waive the fee of $300.00 if the volunteer is willing to commit to a year of service.
Our volunteers fill two vital roles for us here at CVAC. The role of the crisis line volunteer is to provide support and assistance to victims via the 24-hour agency crisis hotline. This includes listening, making appropriate referrals, providing crisis intervention, and dispatching victim advocates, while maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality. The role of the volunteer advocate is to provide support and assistance to victims as they move through the legal and/or medical process. Advocates respond to requests that are made by hospital staff and local police via the crisis line.
What is the time commitment?
The initial training is 40 hours, half of which will be completed at home by the volunteer (videos, links, online courses), and the other half will be completed here at CVAC on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
Is there a certification?
After the training (and a 6 month probationary period) you will be a certified N.Y.S. Rape Crisis Counselor. In order to maintain this certification you will need to complete 10 hours of ongoing training annually through webinars, in-services, books and videos. Opportunities will be provided but completion of the 10 hours is the responsibility of the volunteer.
Do I have to come in to the agency to volunteer?
No! Volunteers answer the crisis line from their own home. Advocates are “on call” and will be called on their home or cell phone if an advocate is needed at the hospital/police station.
Who funds the volunteer program and CVAC?
Funding for our volunteer program is provided by the N.Y.S. Office of Victim Services and the N.Y.S. Department of Health.
Is there a cost associated with this training?
Yes. HOWEVER, we waive the fee of $300.00 if the volunteer is willing to commit to a year of service.
