Volunteer

Are you interested in working directly with clients we serve?

Our Direct service programs include:

• 24/7 Crisis Hotline
• Crisis Response Team (In-Person Accompaniments)
• Counseling Intern – Master’s Level MFT, MSW, and PCC (Please link to “Practicum Students”)

What do Direct Services Volunteers do?

The primary role of our Crisis Hotline Counselors and Advocates is to provide support services to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, or human trafficking, their families, and loved ones.

Crisis Hotline Counselors provide coverage for 8-hour weekend and overnight shifts on the crisis hotline. Common duties include, but are not limited to, emotional support and crisis intervention, information and support referrals, advocacy, and documentation.

Advocates provide accompaniments to forensic interviews, forensic or medical exams, law enforcement interviews, and court hearings. Common duties include, but are not limited to, in-person emotional support and crisis intervention, information and support referrals, advocacy, and documentation.

Applicants who complete the required State Certified Sexual Assault Training may volunteer as a Crisis Hotline Counselor, Advocate or both!

Why volunteer?

You can make a difference by becoming a Crisis Hotline Counselor and/or in-person Advocate for REACH. Providing support by listening, believing, and walking the journey with the survivor can make all the difference on their path to healing.

Requirements for Prospective Applicants

A criminal background check and completion of California State Certified Sexual Assault Counselor training is required to begin volunteering.

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Applicants must be removed from a personal crisis situation for at least one year before applying to the Volunteer Program.
• Applicants must be willing/able to work with diverse populations (cultural, racial, socioeconomic, religious, sexual orientation, etc.)
• Applicants must complete an application and interview with the Program Coordinator prior to being accepted into a training class.
• Applicants must give consent for and understand that REACH will require LiveScan fingerprinting.
• Applicants must be able to attend 8 hours of ongoing trainings annually (multiple training opportunities will be provided throughout the year).
• Applicants are requested to cover 4 shifts a month (currently a shift is 8 hours).
• Applicants must be able to attend all training sessions totaling 51.75 hours.*

*Due to COVID-19, the Sexual Assault Counselor training is being facilitated remotely via Zoom for the foreseeable future.

California State Certified Sexual Assault Counselor Training

A 51.75 hr. state-mandated course is required for volunteers and staff working with survivors of sexual assault. The training is offered throughout the year. Please click here for Available Upcoming Dates.

A phone screening and face-to-face interview will be conducted prior to admittance. While we want to accept all those who apply, we only have space to accept a handful of candidates each session. If your schedule does not allow you to attend the entire training, you will not be able to volunteer in the programs listed above.