Caledon - Dufferin Victim Services seeks crisis support volunteers for spring training

Caledon - Dufferin Victim Services, a crisis response service, is recruiting community volunteers for the annual spring training to be offered in April and May.

The agency provides the "train the trainer" education, enabling community volunteers to provide the frontline, 24-hour on-call service to residents, or those affected by crime and tragedy in Caledon and Dufferin County.

Approximately 55 crisis support volunteers work closely with police and other emergency services, providing short-term emotional support, practical assistance, telephone follow-up contact and information.

In 2007, community volunteers responded to more than 740 calls for service following such occurrences as domestic violence, personal and family crisis, serious motor vehicle collisions and fatalities, property crimes and industrial accidents.

Potential volunteers are screened and interviewed. Applicants must be able to cope under duress in crisis situations and demonstrate strong communication skills. Prospective volunteers must be at least 23 years of age, possess a valid driver's license, maintain appropriate auto insurance and have access to a vehicle. Applicants are required to consent to a release of information giving police the authority to obtain a clear criminal record check. There will be 25 applicants selected and offered the opportunity to participate in agency training.

The mandatory 40 hours of training takes place over two and a half weeks, during evenings and one Saturday. Interesting training topics include crisis intervention, domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, property crimes, effective communication skills, grief and bereavement, large scale community response, mental health and volunteer safety.

Those who successfully complete the agency's volunteer training sessions, share a compatible value base and display appropriate skills and qualifications are then offered a position on the volunteer schedule. Ability to work both independently and as a team member is necessary. Adherence to privacy and confidentiality is of the utmost importance and must be respected.

Interested applicants may obtain more information about Caledon - Dufferin Victim Services on their Web site at www.cal-dufvictimservices. ca

Applications are available on-line or at the Victim Services offices at 18 Mill St. in Bolton or at 390C Line Orangeville. Note that applications must be completed and returned to the Bolton or Orangeville Victim Services offices by March 28.