Caring and compassionate people looking to make a difference in our community and in the lives of those hurt by sexual violence can volunteer with the Alachua County Victim Services & Rape Crisis Center. Our program has two volunteer tracks to pursue - serve as a Helpline Counselor, answering our 24/7 rape crisis helpline, or a Community Ambassador, promoting awareness at community events.
Volunteer Helpline Counselors answer our program's 24/7 helpline, covering evening, weekend, and holiday shifts when our offices are closed. Volunteers carry a County-issued cell phone and respond to victims and citizens in our community seeking crisis counseling and resources. Callers range from victims in crisis to friends and family members seeking information on how to support their loved one.
Potential helpline volunteers must successfully complete 40 hours of online and in-person training, comprised of roleplays, readings, and quizzes, under the supervision of program staff. In-person training takes place at the program's offices at 218 SE 24th Street, Gainesville, FL. Potential volunteers must complete a level 2 background check, which is paid for by the program, before beginning their service.
Upon graduating training, volunteers must commit to a minimum of 36 helpline shifts over the course of 9 months.
For more information on becoming a Helpline Counselor, contact Jessie Lazarchik at (352) 264-6767, jlazarchik@alachuacounty.us
Complete an online application: http://alachuacounty.us/depts/css/victimservices/pages/volunteerinfo.aspx
