Volunteer Opportunities
Sexual Assault Services Volunteer- Vancouver Island
POSITION SUMMARY:
Sexual Assault Services (SAS) Support Program provides services to survivors in Oceanside and Nanaimo who have experienced sexual violence. This program works to provide a safe and supportive environment for survivors of all genders and ages as they manage the impact of sexual violence. This program focuses on emotional and practical support, crisis accompaniment to services (hospital and police), connection to resources in the community, support for court and safety planning.
The Sexual Assault Services Volunteer program operates under the guidance of the AVS Supervisor and SAS Support Workers and will give members of the community an opportunity to make a difference for survivors of sexual violence. Volunteers will work closely with our Sexual Assault Support Team to support survivors as they manage the impact of their experience through providing emotional and practical support. Volunteers will provide trauma informed and culturally safe support focusing mainly on accompaniment to Forensic Exams, meetings with Police and accompaniments to court proceedings. Volunteers will also work with the SAS Team to provide education and prevention events to the community.
QUALIFICATIONS:
a) Training in social and human services (e.g. Social Work, Child and Youth Care, Social Services, Community Mental Health, Psychology). This position would be good for people who are currently pursuing education in social and human services and would like some experience in the Anti-Violence Sector.
b) Experience working with vulnerable or at-risk clients in the social service sector.
c) Understanding of and an ability to support people from a Trauma Informed, Trauma Responsive and Culturally Safe perspective.
d) Excellent interpersonal skills
e) Ability to support people who are in crisis.
f) The ability to both work as part of a team and independently.
g) Excellent verbal and written communication skills
h) To be over the age of 19.
i) Valid BC Driver’s Licence
j) A clear Criminal Record Vulnerable Sector check
k)All volunteers will be required to complete the MISAS volunteer training program.
l) Expenses incurred during the delivery of the SAS volunteer program (mileage, food and supplies for clients) will be reimbursed by the SAS program.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Support the monitoring of the program response line when needed.
2. Working with SAS Support Workers to help survivors stabilize and develop safety plans following an experience of sexual violence.
3. Support survivors by using skills such as active listening, empathy and validation as they talk about their experience.
4. Provide transportation and emotional support for survivors through accompaniment to forensic exams, meetings with police or attending court. To cover Forensic Nurse Examiner call outs outside of SAS Program regular office hours.
5. Support SAS Support Workers in helping survivors work towards goals on their action plans.
6. To be aware of available resources in the community and support survivors getting connected to these resources.
7. Support the SAS Team in providing community engagement and outreach education to allies (bars, night clubs, schools, universities, and shelters) focusing on prevention strategies related to date rape, sexual violence, and safety.
8. Support the SAS Team in providing prevention workshops in intermediate and high schools, colleges, universities, and the greater community.
9. Research and provide content for the MISAS Website.
ACCOUNTABLE TO:
Mental Health and Social Services Team Leader (Volunteer will be directly supervised by the Anti-Violence Service Supervisor)
TIME COMMITMENT: Commitment is flexible.
LOCATION: Vancouver Island (Sources Oceanside Resource Centre)
WANT TO APPLY?
If you are interested in more information about this opportunity or other volunteer positions with Sources, please contact Volunteer Services at volunteerservices@sourcesbc.ca or 604-542-4357.