The primary volunteer position available through Our VOICE is that of a Victim Advocate.
The objective of a Victim Advocate is to provide immediate emotional and informational support to those that have experienced sexual violence and to their family and friends.

The main responsibility of a Victim Advocate is to serve several on-call shifts each month. On-call shifts consist of answering crisis calls and/or going to the hospital to meet with clients following an assault. Generally, on-call shifts are held during hours the office is closed (5:00 PM to 9:00 AM Monday through Thursday, 3:00 PM to 9:00 AM Fridays, 9:00 AM to 9:00 AM on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays).

Responsibilities include:

• Ability to provide telephone counseling and/or meet in person with the victim.
• Accompaniment and support during medical, law enforcement, and court procedures.
• Accurate reporting and documentation of all calls and counseling situations.
• Available by phone or pager at all times during scheduled on-call shifts.
• Available to return pager within 24 hours after the scheduled on-call shift.
• Ability to turn in all required paperwork within 24 hours of scheduled on-call shift.

Qualifications of a Victim Advocate:

• Understanding of sexual violence
• Ability and willingness to listen and communicate with victims of sexual violence
• Evidence of good judgment in every day relations with others
• Ability to show concern and empathy for victims
• Reliability and responsibility
• Ability to manage emotions and reactions to victims' stories
• Patience with others and in difficult situations
• Ability to work with diverse populations

The next training for the Volunteer Victim Advocate position will be in fall. It is a 36-hour training that covers all aspects of sexual violence, including medical procedures, law enforcement issues, legal procedures, and crisis counseling.

To receive a volunteer application, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (828) 252-0562.