Volunteer Job Descriptions

Helpline ADVOCATE

"The most rewarding part of being on the helpline for me is being there to listen.  I’ve found that many of the callers are looking for someone to listen without judgment and validate their feelings.  I’m happy to be able to provide that support and potentially be a catalyst for change in their lives."  

-Volunteer Helpline Advocate

Qualifications: 

  • Must be sensitive to the issues of intimate partner and family violence and abuse towards all genders and all ages.

  • Must be 18 years of age or older.

  • Must have the ability to work with individuals in a non-judgmental and supportive way. It is preferred that volunteers have an awareness of the social/political aspects of violence and feminist principles. 

  • Must have a reliable telephone and phone service.  

  • Commitment to covering scheduled shifts.  

  • Successful completion of Caring Unlimited’s Comprehensive Advocacy, Intervention, Response and Ethics Training Course (CAIRET Course – 44 hours of instruction) before providing direct service. Ability to pass criminal and DHHS background checks (paid for by Caring Unlimited).

Reports to: Volunteer/Helpline Coordinator

Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Return calls passed to you by the answering service within 10 minutes during your shift. 

  • Respond to caller with appropriate support and information. 

  • Seek information and support from staff backup during the shift as appropriate.  

  • Complete required call records and submit to office in a timely manner. 

  • Commit to one year of service on the helpline and complete a minimum of two shifts per month.

Helpline Shifts:

Weekday Shifts (Mon–Fri):  Weekday shifts during business hours are generally covered by paid staff.

  • Mornings 9am to 1pm

  • Afternoons 1pm to 5pm

  • Overnights 5pm to 9am next morning

Weekend Shifts (Sat or Sun):

  • 9am to 5pm

  • 5pm to 9am

Caring Unlimited Provides:

  • Comprehensive Advocacy, Intervention, Response and Ethics Training Course (CAIRET 44 hrs)

  • Staff person for backup during all shifts

  • Support and contact on a monthly basis by the Volunteer/Helpline Coordinator

  • Additional in-service trainings throughout the year

  • Opportunities to connect in-person with fellow volunteers, through the VOICE (Volunteer Ongoing Integration, Connection and Enrichment) program.

It is ESSENTIAL that the helpline be answered at all times. If you become unable to fulfill your scheduled helpline shift, it is important that you find a replacement from the call list and notify the Helpline/ Volunteer Coordinator right away.

Apply to volunteer with us

Support Group Facilitator

Qualifications: 

  • Strong communication and listening skills.  

  • Understanding of—and willingness to learn about—the dynamics of domestic abuse.  

  • Supportiveness and honesty.  

  • Ability to use and mirror inclusive language.  

  • Self-awareness (facilitators’ mood and energy affect group dynamics).  

  • Cultural competence.

Reports to: Outreach Services Coordinator and Volunteer/Helpline Coordinator

Duties and Responsibilities: Volunteer Facilitators will co-facilitate Caring Unlimited's virtual support group. Caring Unlimited support groups are free, confidential, and open to survivors of abuse in intimate relationships. Volunteer Facilitators will co-facilitate with Caring Unlimited staff.  During groups facilitators will link stories to each other and to the larger picture. Identify themes in survivor’s lives.  Keep the group moving, ensuring equitable use of group time. Confront and deal with challenging situations/behaviors.

Caring Unlimited Support Groups currently meet virtually.

After training Volunteer Facilitators are asked to make a 6 month commitment to the group they have agreed to co-facilitate. 

Apply to volunteer with us

Court Accompaniment

Qualifications:

Strong communication and listening skills.  

  • Understanding of—and willingness to learn about—the dynamics of domestic abuse.  

  • Supportiveness and honesty.  

  • Ability to use and mirror inclusive language.  

  • Cultural competence.

Reports to: Court Advocates and Volunteer/Helpline Coordinator

Duties and Responsibilities: Emotional support and accompaniment for survivors during civil legal cases. The legal process can be intimidating and overwhelming, especially for survivors who may have to face their abusers and detail their traumatic experiences. Court Accompaniment Volunteers offer judgement-free emotional support and a listening ear.