Volunteer as a Victim Support Worker
Our RCMP-based Victims Services organization is always seeking volunteers to provide support and information to victims of crime and trauma.
Victim support workers are the backbone of our organization
A volunteer support worker provides emotional support, information, practical assistance, and referral to community resources to victims and witnesses of crime and trauma. The victim support worker does not provide counseling.
What does a volunteer victim support worker do?
To provide direct services including emotional support, information, practical assistance, and referral to community resources to victims and witnesses of crime and trauma. The victim support worker does not provide counselling.
Role
Report To
Volunteers report to the Program Coordinator or Assistant Coordinator
A victim support worker should have excellent communication skills, be non-judgmental, flexible, and enjoy working with people. They must be able to obtain and maintain RCMP Enhanced Security Clearance and have the desire to explore the criminal justice system while working to develop the skills necessary to be an effective victim support worker.
Qualifications
Attend and participate in training sessions and staff meetings. Maintain confidentiality of clients and program.
Complete all documentation required for client files, statistics, and reporting purposes. Under the supervision of program staff, provide direct services to victims and witnesses including:
Emotional support
Information on police process and investigation
Information on court process, procedures
Court orientation and accompaniment\if required
Referral to appropriate community resources
Assistance with forms including: Compensation and Victim Impact Statements
Responsibilities
The applicant is expected to complete an initial training program and a 3 month probationary period. Victim Services offers on-going fellowship and training at staff meetings as well as opportunities to attend relevant training/conference events.