Victim Services of Bruce Grey & Owen Sound

What services does your organization provide?
We provide a safe and secure environment for those who find themselves in a situation where their normal coping skills are not enough. We allow them to talk freely about their responses and reactions with complete confidentiality. We help people to understand their crisis response and provide options for longer term support if needed.

We provide transportation home from the scene or to a place of safety if required. We can assist with safety planning and accessing other community agencies.

We help victims decide what their most pressing needs are and provide information about services in our area that may be helpful in meeting those needs.

We will, upon request, contact the victim in the days following the crisis to make sure that all available options were offered and to provide other referrals as necessary.

Do you have any age requirements?
19+

What time commitment(s) are you expecting from a volunteer?
In order to effectively serve the needs of our communities, our volunteers make a one year commitment during which they are on call for one 12 hour shift per week or four 12 hour shifts per month. Shift start times are 6 a.m. or 6 p.m.

Are there any specific skills and experience required?

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of all issues surrounding calls for service to victims, information shared in volunteer training and information about the organization
• Mature and responsible
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to deal effectively with crisis situations
• Ability to commit to one year's service
• Willing to submit personal references, provide a criminal record check and attend an interview
• Suitability to provide sensitive, emotionally safe and effective service to victims on behalf of VSBGOS
• Valid driver's license and own transportation
• Willing to complete minimum standards training and evaluation, attend ongoing meetings and educational development opportunities
• Ability to work as part of a crisis team

What type of volunteer positions are typically available?
There is always a need for Victim Services volunteer responders in your community. You can make a positive difference in the lives of those who have been affected by crime or tragic circumstance.

Is there any training provided for volunteers?
40 hours of training

What are the typical volunteer activities occurring at your organization?

• Respond immediately to requests for service from emergency services by attending on scene or at an alternate safe location. On occasion, crisis assistance may be provided by telephone.
• Provide emotional support which empowers the victim, including answering questions and providing information that will help lessen the impact of the crisis for the victim. Provide practical assistance as needed. This may include transportation and/or accompanying a victim to emergency services (shelters, hospital, etc.), making telephone calls on request or alternate arrangements as required, helping to secure premises and other similar tasks.
• Identify longer term needs by responding to the victim's concerns and supply the victim with appropriate options and referrals to services in the community that will assist them in accessing resources for further assistance
• Prepare necessary reports, liaise with emergency services and report to your shift coordinator as necessary
• Participate in the evaluation of the call and provide relevant information to the Program Coordinator for client follow-up

How will a person benefit from volunteering with Victim Services of Bruce Grey & Owen Sound?
You can make a positive difference in the lives of those who have been affected by crime or tragic circumstance.

Do you accept high school students?
No.