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Volunteer on CONTACT Lifeline
To apply to become a volunteer, please fill out the volunteer questionnaire and application online.
To see the schedule for our next training session, please click here.
Volunteer FAQs:
What do Volunteers do at CONTACT Lifeline?
Volunteers work in the call center, answering calls from people in crisis and need emotional support. Volunteers may be cross-trained to also help on the emotional support chat line, Crisis Chat, which is located at www.CrisisChat.org.
What are the qualifications to become a volunteer?
Volunteers must be at least 20 years of age, and able to show compassion and warmth on the telephone lines. They must be responsible, reliable and able to follow directions. A volunteer’s suitability for the job is determined through the extensive training process.
What is the training process like?
Consists of 55 hours of classroom discussion, exercises and role-plays as well as homework assigned after each session. At the conclusion of this portion of the training volunteers will begin observation and mentor shifts. Successful graduation from training is determined at the discretion of the trainers and is contingent on a demonstrated ability to use skills and knowledge gained in training on the lines as well as a demonstrated ability to be responsible and reliable.
What is the training schedule?
You can access the upcoming training schedule here.
After training, what is the volunteer commitment?
Volunteers are asked to commit to one 4-5 hour shift per week for a minimum of 9 months. Volunteers are also required to attend two peer-support meetings a year, in the form of a group dinner and training.
What are the benefits to volunteering?
Volunteers are provided with a professional training in which they will gain valuable skills in rapport building, interviewing, suicide risk assessment, and community resources. They can also add this experience to their resumes and gain references for future jobs. Volunteers also gain the satisfaction of directly interacting and helping people in need in our local community.
