Volunteer

Become a VOLUNTEER CRISIS RESPONDER …

MVS Newsletter 1-1 – Dec 2022

Muskoka Victim Services relies on volunteers to provide effective support and crisis assistance to victims of crime and tragic circumstance.

Muskoka Victim Services is a non-profit community based organization working in partnership with police and emergency services to meet the short-term needs of victims by providing emotional support, practical assistance and referrals to community resources.

Muskoka Victim Services is a completely confidential service and our qualified trained Victim Crisis Responders provide immediate onsite crisis intervention 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

 Time commitment:   One year minimum.  Three, 12 hour on-call shifts per month (day and night shifts available and must include some weekends)

Benefits: Intensive initial and ongoing training in related areas including support for victims of homicide, attempted murder, assault, sexual assault, domestic violence or hate crimes.

Learn about grief & bereavement, death notification, property crimes and 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 and self awareness.

Training:  

  • mandatory forty two (42) hours of training:  37 hours online e-learning training program + 5 hour practical training & evaluation
  • comply with a full understanding of policy and procedure
  • successful completion of a probationary period

 Requirements:

  • 19 years of age or older
  • successfully pass a Vulnerable Sector Screening Police Check
  • complete mandatory training
  • attend Volunteer Meetings
  • have use of a safe and reliable vehicle
  • possess a valid driver’s license and minimum of $1,000,000.00 auto insurance liability

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 the oath of confidentiality, volunteers enter a probationary period where they will be mentored by existing team members, volunteers, always working with a partner.

Volunteers will:

  • respond immediately to requests 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 the 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 shift coordinator as necessary
  • participate in debriefing sessions following calls and provide relevant information to the Program Coordinator for follow-up
  • participate in training meetings and other volunteer training events as needed

Volunteer Application Form:

To apply to be a Crisis Response please click the link below to access the volunteer application.  Once completed please email it to mvs@muskokavs.ca

or bring it to our office at 29 Manitoba St, Suite 2 (upstairs), Bracebridge, by appointment.  Successful applicants will be contacted for an interview.

CR VOLUNTEER APPLICATION