Crisis Line Responder

Training session is now underway!

Vancouver Island Crisis Line in-person, Phone Centre Crisis Line Responder Training Course
7-week basic training offered by a Crisis Centre,
accredited by the American Association of Suicidology

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When: February 12, 2024, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 5 to 8 pm, through April 3, 2024
View Training Schedule (PDF) to get an idea of timeline for training for next session

Where: Vancouver Island Crisis Society Training Centre, Nanaimo

Application Deadline: To be announced when nest session begins
You can also apply before next training session is announced

Please see Volunteer Crisis Line Responder Job Description (PDF)

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Steps to Apply

  1. Email resume to info@vicrisis.ca
  2. Interview
  3. Attend an Observation Shift in the Call Centre
  4. Complete a successful Criminal Record Check for working with a Vulnerable Sector and Reference Check
  5. Show proof of COVID vaccination of at least 2 shots
  6. Pay a $100 training fee. Payment options: eTransfer via email at etransfer(at)vicrisis.ca (receipt provided by registrant's banking institution) or PayPal Shopping Cart

Note: Only those considered will be contacted to arrange an interview. We thank all applicants for their interest. 

 

Is volunteering as a Crisis Line Responder the right fit for you?

What to expect:

  • 20-hour commitment per month on a 24-hour schedule rotation with a total of 200 hours in the next year
  • Monthly team meetings
  • Ongoing coaching and skills assessment
  • 3-month Probationary Period to assess your skill set. Not everyone who takes our training will find that this work is a fit for them
  • A strong team environment respecting people of diversity, culture and orientation
  • Life-changing work in the field of mental health developing effective listening and communication skills
  • Opportunities for eligibility to apply for paid staff positions with demonstrated reliability and evaluated phone skill competency

What this is not:

Something to undertake casually or because you are bored. You will be expected to develop your skills and be accountable at the same level as our staff responders by providing the same level of support to Service Users reaching out to the network of Crisis Line Numbers that we answer.

 

Volunteering Info

Volunteer Crisis Line Responder Description (PDF)
Training Schedule (PDF)
FAQ (PDF)
History of VICS
Mission Statement and Code of Ethics
Employment Opportunities