TITLE: ADVOCACY HELPLINE VOLUNTEER
GENERAL SUMMARY: Advocacy volunteers provide confidential support, advocacy, and
accompaniment for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault at hospitals throughout RI
on the 24/7-hour helpline.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide in-person services to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and hate
crimes on an on-call basis for at least one 8-hour shift per week (unless otherwise
negotiated with the Advocacy Helpline Coordinator). - Be available for all assigned shifts unless special arrangements have been made in
advance with the Advocacy Helpline Coordinator. - Be available for all go-outs that come to you during your assigned shift.
- Be available for services statewide at all hospitals.
- Respond to the appropriate hospital as called, within a timely manner (maximum
response time is one hour). - Maintain reports for each hospital call and email to the Advocacy Helpline Coordinator
within 1 business day. - If unable to work the assigned shift, take responsibility for finding another advocate to
cover AND call or email the Advocacy Helpline Coordinator at least three days in advance. If
calling out on the day of the shift, call the Helpline directly AND email or call the
Advocacy Helpline Coordinator to update them that you have called out of your shift. - Maintain a culture of mutual respect with Day One/Helpline staff and other advocates.
- Support with non-helpline tasks may include: organizing clothing donaAons, supporAng
with recruitment and educaAon opportuniAes, and aaending Day One community
events. - Maintain good boundaries and adhere to the confidenAality policy for all Helpline calls.
- Utilize the Advocacy Helpline Coordinator for emergencies or questions on shift.
- Adhere to Helpline policies outlined in Day One’s volunteer agreement.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Volunteers are expected to respond to hospitals for advocacy in
person. Volunteers need not come into the office for their designated shifts and can take the
iniAal helpline request from any safe and secure locaAon.
MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Must have reliable means of transportation and a valid driver’s license.
- Successful completion of 26-hour Helpline training.
- If you are a survivor, we recommend you are past the incident and not part of the
civil/criminal justice system. - Commitment and sensitivity to issues related to the needs of vicAms of crime.
- Ability to remain non-judgmental and open-minded when working with victims of crime.
- Ability to work well under pressure, utilizing critical thinking and crisis intervention skills.
- Attend any Advocate meetings.
- Fill a minimum of (1) one, 8-hour weekly shift (unless otherwise negotiated with the
Advocacy Helpline Coordinator)
