What Do Our Crisis Responders Do?
Victim Assistance Services of Oxford County responders provide a crisis intervention service that includes support, immediate practical assistance, information and referrals to community services that can assist the individual or family for the long-term. We ask for a commitment of thirty-six (36) hours per month. Volunteer Crisis Responders work in teams of two and support is provided on-scene, including personal residences, public places, and police stations.
Qualifications for Volunteering
- Must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.
- Must reside in Oxford County.
- Must be willing to submit a police clearance background check and personal reference checks.
- Must have access to a vehicle, valid Ontario driver’s license and automobile insurance.
- Must be willing to complete forty (40) hours of training.
- Must be physically and mentally able to perform the duties of the position (e.g. standing for long periods of time, exposure to victims/witness trauma).
- Must become familiar with the procedures of Victim Assistance Services of Oxford County and successfully complete the required in-depth and on-going training.
- Must be willing to sign an oath of confidentiality, which requires a volunteer not to disclose or give to any unauthorized person any information, or document that has come into their
- knowledge or possession while working as a volunteer.
Responsibilities of Crisis Responders
- Provide emotional support and companionship, including answering questions and providing information that will help lessen the impact of the crisis for the victim
- Provide practical assistance to victims and their family as needed.
- Respond immediately to requests for victim assistance from emergency personnel by attending on site or at an alternate safe premise. Shifts are done on an on-call basis.
- Identify long-term needs by responding to victim’s concerns, and supply the victim with appropriate options and referrals to services in the community that will assist the victim in accessing resources for further assistance.
- Report activity to the Victim Assistance Services of Oxford County staff or Team Leader upon completion of a call.
- Complete client contact occurrence sheet and submit it to the office by the next working day.
- Attendance is mandatory at regularly scheduled training meetings.
- Commitment of a minimum one (1) year from the time training ends.
To Apply to be a Volunteer Crisis Responder
We provide a forty (40) hour mandated government training program (in class and online) and we offer additional training specific to the needs of victims and community services during the year. As well, we provide recognition for your services and we offer the opportunity for volunteers to truly make a difference in our community.
Please fill out the application form and drop it off at the Victim Assistance Services of Oxford County office, or email vas@vasoc.on.ca
An application will be kept on file for a maximum of twelve (12) months. If you are unable to join us in a training opportunity within that time, you will be asked to re-submit a volunteer application.
Your acceptance into the program is based on a completed application form, a successful interview (suitable temperament, experience, availability, etc.), acceptable security clearance and favourable references.
