Are you currently accepting volunteer applications?

Yes, we accept applications year round. You may apply at any time via our website.

Is there an age requirement? 

All volunteers are required to be at least 18 years old.

What are you looking for in a Text Line Volunteer?

The ideal Text Line Volunteer will be someone interested in the youth and young adult populations, and the issues that affect them. A baseline ability to identify feelings in oneself and others, and to empathize, is important, and a deep respect and regard for people in all walks of life.

Can I answer texts from home or off-site*?

Yes, CSS has implemented technology that can allow volunteer counselors to work confidentially and remotely. After graduating from training on-site, volunteers are not required to work their shifts on-site but are encouraged to work in the office and attend regular agency-wide events throughout the year. The intention of providing agency-wide events is to build community and rapport within our team.

Can I volunteer from out-of-state or outside of the United States?*

To meet state mandated reporting requirements, we require that all volunteers reside within California. If you are based in a different state and you are interested in learning about crisis lines in your area, please go to https://988lifeline.org/crisis-centers-by-state-and-u-s-territory/ and search for centers in your state/city.

Where are you located?

We are in North Oakland, CA, and conveniently located near Ashby BART station. We have on-site parking and secure bike parking. The specific details of our site location are confidential.

Do I need to have counseling experience to volunteer?

No experience necessary. We have an extensive training program to prepare you to take texts.

What does training for the Text Line look like?

The training lasts for 3-4 months and consists of two major components – weekly in-class lectures/discussions and individual shifts with trainer on the text line:

1. The in class component either occurs on Saturdays and Sundays several times a month, from 9 AM-4 PM with a one-hour break for lunch (large cohort model) OR on weekday evenings from 6:30 pm-9:30 pm on Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs. Additional workshops may be added during the week to supplement class training. Please request current schedules by email for up-to-date information.
2. The one-on-one training is once a week for two hours of at least 8 shifts. We will work with your schedule to pair you with a trainer. While working with your trainer, you will be doing roleplays, taking live texts, and practicing all the tools and theory you learn in the classes.

Training topics include, but are not limited to, motivational interviewing, suicide assessment and safety planning, and counselor self-care and self-awareness. Once trained there will be ongoing learning opportunities, some of which are mandatory.

What is the time commitment after completing training?

In total we ask that you volunteer for a minimum of 60 total shifts, working one 4 hour shift per week. Shifts can be scheduled between 8 am and 12 am. The 60 shift commitment includes your on-shift training time. Naturally, we expect that you’ll take vacations or need time off, so a total of 60 shifts is the benchmark for completing your commitment, and any missed shifts can be made up.

What kind of ongoing support do counselors receive after completing training? 

Once volunteer counselors are trained, they will have access to (remote) monthly group supervision with other text line volunteers and interns. Volunteers are also paired with a direct supervisor who they can consult and debrief with as needed through our instant messaging platform. 

What are some of the Text Line Volunteer duties?

While on shift, volunteers will work as part of a team to support people reaching out to our Alameda County Line or through 988 chat/text . We use online platforms to engage with texters – this means we are on a computer and not exhausting our thumbs on a tiny screen!  

Volunteers are also expected to communicate time off and complete required continuing education training. 

If you have any other questions not addressed here, please email our Training Team at training@crisissupport.org.

Thank you again for your interest!