Rape Crisis Helpline Counselors (Remote)

WestCOP's Victim Assistance Services (VAS) provides a 24-hour Rape Crisis Hotline for those in need. With support from the Survivor Response Program Manager, this hotline is managed by volunteer Rape Crisis Helpline Counselors. Utilizing special software, these volunteers provide crisis intervention, advocacy, information and referrals, safety planning assistance, and support to clients who utilize the hotline during non-business hours and when the office is closed. Volunteers who are on-call will receive a call from the software on their phone when there is a caller on the crisis line. Volunteers are required to commit to four shifts per month for 12 months.

Rape Crisis Counselors must:

• Successfully complete a 30-hour course from the New York State Department of Health (DOH)
• Complete annual competency assessments
• Attend monthly supervision meetings via Zoom

Principal duties and responsibilities (administrative)

The Rape Crisis Helpline Counselor will commit to the program for at least one year by submitting on-call shifts, responding to calls while on-shift, and completing all call documentation.

• Commit to the Rape Crisis Program for at least 1 year
• Submit at least 4 available, full, on-call shifts per month, including one shift on one of the major holidays per year, by the 25th of each month
• Respond to all calls during scheduled shift
• Submit all helpline forms completed during their shift by 11 a.m. the following business day

Principal duties and responsibilities (implementation)

The Rape Crisis Helpline Counselor shall:

• Provide crisis intervention
• Assess for safety and needs of the caller
• Serve as a mandated reporter
• Provide appropriate referrals for follow-up care for all clients and referrals to Victims Assistance Services
• Document in an objective and comprehensive manner information required by VAS on individual helpline forms
• Maintain confidentiality of records and communications

This is a critical role that could save the life of our fellow neighbors in need. Express interest below!