CVAC volunteers generally fill two vital roles; answering our 24/7 support line, and providing medical advocacy to the local area hospitals. To do so, volunteers must apply and be able to complete our 40-hour rape crisis counselor training. Upon completion, volunteers will become certified NYS Rape Crisis Counselors through the Department of Health.
Trainings are generally offered in the fall and the spring, and occasionally in the summer. Below you will find the current training schedule, and some frequently asked questions about volunteering with our agency.
Trainings are generally offered in the fall and the spring, and occasionally in the summer. Below you will find the current training schedule, and some frequently asked questions about volunteering with our agency.
Winter 2020 Training Schedule
- Subject to change -
Volunteer FAQ
What will I be doing as a Crisis line volunteer or as a volunteer advocate?
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.
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.
Are there any other CVAC volunteer roles OTHER than working directly with victims?
Yes, CVAC needs help in the areas of fundraising, IT assistance and board development. If you are interested in organizing a fundraiser, volunteering to assist our tech needs or wish to apply to become a board member, please e-mail us today.
What IS THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS?
All interested crisis line volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. The certification course provides 40 training hours. After the training is complete (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 and reporting of the 10 hours is the responsibility of the volunteer.
What is the time COMMITMENT?
The initial training is 40 hours, half of which will be completed at home by the volunteer (online courses, videos, links), and the other half will be completed here at CVAC (Binghamton, NY) on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Do I need to have transportation to volunteer?
You do not need a car/transportation to volunteer on the crisis line. You will however, need a car/transportation to attend the initial 40 hour training here at CVAC and to become a volunteer advocate. Volunteer advocates need transportation to and from the hospital.
Do I have to come into the agency to volunteer?
No! Once trained, volunteers answer the crisis line from their own home (the initial training is located here at CVAC). Advocates are “on call” and will be called on their home or cell phone if an advocate is needed at the hospital/police station. Crisis line volunteers receive crisis calls on their home phone as well.
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.
Do I have to be a resident of broome county to volunteer?
No, you do not need to be a resident of Broome County to volunteer, although you will need to have a basic understanding of Broome County resources, as well as the ability to travel to Broome throughout the training period.
Who Funds CVAC and the volunteer program?
Funding for our volunteer program is provided by the N.Y.S. Office of Victim Services and the N.Y.S. Department of Health.
Does cvac offer internships?
We generally accept a number of interns throughout the year. To find out if we are currently taking intern applications, follow this link to our Internship Page.