The purpose of the volunteer position is to answer calls or text/chat conversations from community members seeking support. As a volunteer, you will support the Crisis Line or the Text Line by providing service on one 4-hour shift per week for a period of at least 365 days. You will be responsible for upholding standards of care for Crisis Support Services of Alameda County and all of its associated partner agencies and accrediting bodies by providing call (or chat-and-text) -based crisis counseling with a focus on suicide prevention. You will be expected to collaborate with team members on a weekly shift via video and chat, maintain thorough documentation of contact with clients, and simultaneously utilize multiple tools to meet the needs of callers (or texters) and your shift. To fulfill this role, you must demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills, a desire for and openness to receiving constructive feedback, the ability to learn and navigate multiple web-based platforms simultaneously, flexibility in adapting to changing needs of each shift, willingness to engage in self-reflective work, and timely adherence to deadlines. Additionally, you must demonstrate a commitment to displaying empathy and attunement along with effective engagement/connection skills toward callers (or texters). Demonstration of respect for individuals and cultural responsiveness for callers/texters (in addition to colleagues) is required.

Please provide 2 references who can speak about your volunteer, employment, academic or personal capabilities. Personal references who know you well are preferred professors/supervisors who you may have not had much interactions with. We accept references from close friends, supervisors and professors with whom you have an established relationship. We will not review references from direct family members, therapists, or acquaintances.

By submitting this application, I affirm that the facts set forth in it are true and complete. I understand that if I am accepted as a volunteer, any false statements, omissions, or other misrepresentations made by me on this application may result in my immediate dismissal.