WHAT YOU WILL DO:
Reporting to the Certified Listener Program Manager, you will be tasked to supervise our Certified Listener Volunteers and with providing them with emotional support as needed.
Given that we are an emotional support service, calls may vary in nature. This is a great opportunity to learn valuable skills and volunteer from home, especially during the pandemic.
• Providing immediate and confidential support to our certified listener volunteers (chat, etc.) using agency procedures and policies.

• Help our Certified Listener Volunteers by providing them with resources and referrals when appropriate

• Understanding what to do if you are concerned about a person’s safety (Client or Certified Listener Volunteer)

• Work with callers/chatters, volunteers, and staff in a respectful and professional manner.

• Ability to type 40 WPM

• Perform risk assessments during calls to determine if the calls are beyond our scope.

• Work with callers/chatters, volunteers, and staff in a respectful and professional manner.

What will you NOT be doing:
• Certified Listeners Volunteer are not therapists or hold themselves out to be. Volunteers are to only provide emotional support and should not try to provide callers with mental health support or services.
• Telling people what to do or how they should live their lives
• Providing crisis intervention or addiction counselling.

CERTIFIED LISTENERS SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:
• Previous volunteering experience preferred, but not required
• Strong English reading, writing and speaking skills
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• Ability to work with individuals of diverse cultural and social backgrounds
• Comfortable interacting using electronic mediums
• Demonstrated ability to function well under pressure
• Demonstrated conflict management and resolution skills
• Sound working knowledge of community services
• Proven knowledge/experience in mental health
• Knowledge of domestic violence and resources
• Training in Assist or other Suicide Intervention models preferred
• Training in Non-violent crisis Intervention preferred

REQUIRED EDUCATION:
At a minimum, a Degree or diploma in social services, social work, psychology, nursing. We are also accepting applicants who are students of social services, social work, psychology, nursing and other similar fields.

Commitment:
To work a minimum one 4-hour shift per week for a period of at least 3 months.
There is flexibility in scheduling, and you will be able to choose weekly shifts that best suite you.