If you're the person others go to for emotional support during hard times, Chatham-Kent Victim Services has a volunteer opportunity for you.
The organization is looking for the next cohort of crisis responders to join their team in the spring 2023 recruitment campaign.
"Victim Services provides confidential, immediate emotional support to those impacted by crime, tragedy, or trauma in the community," said Jason Brown, volunteer & community engagement coordinator with Chatham-Kent Victim Services.
The team currently consists of five full-time staff members, two of which are crisis support coordinators who work closely with volunteers. With 40 crisis responders already, Brown says they are looking for another 10 to 15 members of the community to get on board.
Crisis responders are either sent with police or after police to deliver news, offer support, and provide resources to victims of crime and other afflictions like house fires, according to Brown.
While Chatham-Kent Victim Services mostly responds to domestic violence, Brown says incidents of human trafficking, murder, or attempted murder are becoming more commonplace.
"There's really nothing we can't help with," Brown explained.
To volunteer, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license and access to an insured vehicle, a cell phone, and an email address.
Crisis responders must also undergo a police vulnerable sector check, complete a mandatory training course, and commit to 48 hours of on-call shifts each month. These shifts vary from six to 12 hours in length.
A minimum commitment of one year is expected.
Mandatory training classes are taking place in-person on May 6 and 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. During these sessions, volunteers will learn about crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and training for specific incidents such as sexual violence and sudden death.
Those interested in becoming a crisis responder can apply online at the Chatham-Kent Victims Services website.
