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Get Involved
Volunteer Victim Crisis Responder:
Muskoka Victim Services relies on volunteers to provide effective short-term support and crisis assistance to victims of crime and tragic circumstances.
Goal: to work in partnership with Police, Fire, Emergency Services and social service agencies to provide twenty-four (24) hour support and assistance to victims of crime, tragic circumstance and loss; respond immediately to requests for service by attending on scene of by telephone.
Time Commitment:
- One (1) year
- Thee (3) Twelve (12) hour on call shifts per month (days, evenings or weekends)
How to become a certified Crisis Responder:
- 37 hours of E-learning training
- 4 hours practical training and evaluation
- On going mentorship
Topics include (but at not limited to):
- Intimate Partner Violence
- Grief and Bereavement
- Death Notification
- Property Crimes
- Court and Legal Systems
- Along with various other subjects
Benefits of becoming a certified Crisis Responder: Ongoing mentorship program and professional development opportunities; learn about community services and make referrals as needed; provide direct support to people in times of need following crisis; variety of exposures; locations and activities.
Competencies Required: compassion, empathy, reliability, strong communication and critical thinking.
Competencies Developed: ability to assess needs, prioritization and decision-making, conflict resolution, sensitivity, adaptability, continuous learning, community awareness/knowledge, self-awareness.
Requirements:
- 19 years of age or older
- Successfully pass a CPIC and Vulnerable Screening Police Check
- Complete mandatory training
- Respond to regular electronic communications (e-mail/text)
- Attend Volunteer Meetings
- Have use of a safe and reliable vehicle
- Possess a valid driver's license
- Minimum of 1,000,000 auto insurance liability policy
Please note: Acceptance into volunteer training does not guarantee that an applicant will be involved in direct service provision with victims. All staff, volunteers and board members will be subjected to a criminal record check. References will be checked as part of the screening process.
Summary:
After successful completion of the standardized training, evaluation and swearing oath of confidentiality, volunteers enter a probationary period where they will be mentored by existing team members.
Volunteers, always working with a partner, will:
- Respond immediately to request from emergency services
- Provide short-term support and practical assistance to victims of crime or tragic circumstance
- Ensure that appropriate options and/or referrals for longer term assistance are provided to victims
- Provide emotional support, which empowers the victim, answering questions and providing information that will help lessen the impact of the crisis for the victim
- Provide practical assistance as needed which may include transportation and/or accompanying a victim to emergency services (shelters, hospital, etc.), telephone calls as required and requested
- Identify longer term needs by responding to victim's concerns, supply the victim with appropriate options and referrals to services in the community that will assist them in accessing resources for further assistance
- Liaise with emergency services and report to your Team Leader as necessary
- Participate in debriefing sessions following calls and provide relevant information to the Program Coordinator for follow up
- Participate in volunteer meetins and other volunteer training events as offered
To apply to become a certified Crisis Responder, please download the application Package and send it to the Volunteer Coordinator.
Volunteer Application
Applications will be kept on file and applicants will be contacted during the next recruitment period. For more information about becoming a Volunteer Crisis Responder, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 705.645.5444 or email eva@muskokavs.ca
Board of Directors
A volunteer Board of Directors oversees the management of the Muskoka Victim Services program. Board members currently meet regularly on the third Wednesday of the month at 6:00 P.M. at the Victim Services Office. The Board of Directors may have committees, which assist in completing specific tasks:
- Executive Committee
- Human Resources Committee
- Budget-Finance Committee
- Emergency Services Utilization Committee
- By-laws, Policies and Procedures Committee
- Fundraising & Public Relations Committee
- Volunteer Relations Committee
Requirements:
- Deep commitment to community work
- Qualifications may include: experience in Business, Government, Policy Formulation, Law, Social Service and Administration
- Must be willing to pass a CPIC and Vulnerable Screening Police Check
- Attendance at monthly meetings and possible committee meetings and public awareness events
Commitment:
Board positions are two-year terms, which may be renewed.
For more information about becoming a member of the Board of Directors contact the Executive Director at 705.645.5444 or chris@muskokavs.ca
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