If you’re empathetic, capable of handling tragic or traumatic circumstances, have lots of life experience, and plenty of time to dedicate, Victim Services Wellington would like to hear from you.
The agency sends volunteer assistants in to provide short-term support to victims of crime and tragedy. It is looking for 20 people to step into May and June training sessions for the positions.
That training, said executive director Liz Kent, is extensive, and there is a significant screening process. Retirees or those nearing retirement often have what it takes.
“We provide on call assistance to emergency services 24/7,” said Kent. “So we usually have two volunteers in the county, and two volunteers in the city on call at all times.”
The organization has between 80 to 100 volunteer assistants. These are people trained to provide timely and appropriate assistance to victims of domestic violence, sexual assaults, sudden death situations, break and enters, and tragedies like fires and automotive collisions.
The volunteer helps identify and address immediate safety concerns, give practical assistance, conduct needs assessments and safety planning, and provide referrals to community and government services.
“They go through pretty extensive training,” Kent said. There is about 60 hours of provincially standardized training, with numerous modules and tests involved. In addition, there are six to eight in-person training sessions, where experts in the community conduct workshops.
Victim Services has locations in Guelph, at Guelph Police headquarters, and in Teviotdale, near Palmerston.
“When our volunteers are called out, they are called out by police about 95 per cent of the time,” she said. “We do get some calls from hospitals. Fire departments also access our service.”
Victims in such situations are usually still in shock, and their basic immediate needs must be addressed. Referrals are given for longer term support, whether for housing, legal, financial services.
“Our volunteers are pretty well trained in what community resources are out there for victims to access for long-term help,” Kent said.
There are several stages to the screening process. Online applications are reviewed. From those, some are chosen for interviews. Further steps include reference checks and a criminal records check.
Some who are accepted are unable to complete the training. Experience is not necessary, but people with life experience are preferred.
“We are looking at mature people for this round,” Kent said. “And we need people who are available in the daytime.”
Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, access to a vehicle, cell phone and email. For more information and to complete an application by May 1st , visit www.vswguelph.on.ca.
If you have any questions please feel free to call our Guelph office at 519-824-1212 x7304.
