988 Volunteer (Unpaid) Suicide Lifeline - Remote Opportunity!

New Vista of the Bluegrass Inc • Lexington, KY

65d • Remote

About The Position

If you are seeking a meaningful opportunity to volunteer (from your home) and provide assistance to people in our community, we have a place for you on our Team at New Vista.  We see the good!! The 988 Volunteer aids in responding to calls from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline that is operated by the Helpline’s 24/7 call center. The 988 Volunteer works collaboratively with Helpline staff, New Vista service programs, and with community partners to meet the needs of 988 callers. Volunteers will assess risk by using a person-centered approach, gathering information, building rapport, asking important questions, and collaborating with callers in creating a safety plan, if warranted. It is important that we not just listen to the caller’s story, but actively give them the time to talk to someone who cares, and potentially reduce the crisis they are in. The 988 Volunteer is able to think outside the box and promotes a “no wrong door” approach – that any program a client enters can provide a universal gateway to enter any New Vista Services. The 988 Volunteer is a positive team player that promotes a culture of inclusion and participation. ALL TRAINING AND CONTINUING SUPPORT PROVIDED BY NEW VISTA

Requirements

• 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent

Nice To Haves

• Experience/education related to mental health, suicide, and/or substance use
• Ability to work cooperatively as a team member
• Demonstrates respect for diversity
• Experience with customer service, particularly interaction with customers by phone
• Proficient computer skills using various Microsoft Office applications

Responsibilities

• Answer crisis or emotionally distressing calls
• Assess suicidality and caller risk using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
• The volunteer will help the caller with coping skills, developing a safety plan, or if necessary, consult with and/or transfer calls to the Helpline Crisis Workers
• Document information regarding the call following specific guidelines
• Complete 40 hours of training within the first 6 weeks of the volunteer commitment and any additional training as assigned: New Vista Orientation for Volunteers Completion of required trainings such as QPR Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention, Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM), CRUSHing Farmer Suicide and Lifelong Learning Portal Trainings, and other trainings as assigned Volunteers will be required to cover a variety of topics through training that aligns with the program and our accreditation. During training, volunteers will have opportunities to work through simulated calls through the SIMMERSION module that simulates calls, as well as receive training in crisis intervention All volunteers must pass 3 supervised calls to determine level of competency before beginning independent 988 crisis call work
• Volunteering 4 or more consecutive hours with the minimum of 18 hours per month
• Committing to at least 9 months of volunteering service time

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees