Volunteer LOSS Program
About The Position
Central Counties Services is seeking volunteers for the Mental Health HEAL/LOSS Team who are passionate about supporting those affected by suicide loss. Approved volunteers must complete a comprehensive training program. Volunteers will also be accompanied on a series of calls before being cleared to take calls independently. We are looking for: Mental Health Professional Volunteers – Therapists, counselors and social workers trained in crisis response and grief support. Volunteers with Lived Experience – Suicide loss survivors who want to provide peer-based support and hope to others navigating similar experiences. Volunteer Community Advocates – Those with knowledge of mental health resources who are passionate about suicide prevention and postvention.
Requirements
- Graduation from a standard 4 year institution of higher learning with a degree in social work or psychology or closely related field preferred and/or
- Lived experience as a survivor of a death by suicide and/or
- Community awareness of available social programs and the ability to help connect those suffering with loss.
- Knowledge of mental health best practices relating to loss, grief, and de-escalation.
- Ability to remain calm in highly stressful situations.
- Suicide Loss stabilization techniques and resources.
- Ability to determine types of social services needed by victims.
- Time management.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with families, center employees, community outreach and other organizations, clinical service providers, law enforcement personnel, and the public.
- Ability to apply knowledge appropriately.
- Ability to perform effectively while working independently or as part of a team.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to present a professional appearance and conduct when representing the Center.
- Must have and maintain a valid drivers’ license with an acceptable driving record.
- Those accepted will have a complete and thorough background check completed. Results of these checks must be in alignment with Center expectations.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must have a working cell phone.
Responsibilities
- Respond as a member of the LOSS Team to provide on-site emotional support to individuals and families.
- Work in collaboration with LMHAs, first responders, and other crisis teams.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
- Provide immediate, trauma-informed support to families, peers, and youth following a suicide death.
- Assist with navigating the grief process through the offering of comfort, guidance, and connection to resources.
- Complete specialized training provided by the LOSS Team Coordinator.
- Assist in the immediate, short-term and long-term response efforts in the aftermath of a suicide to help promote healing and mitigate the negative effects of exposure to suicide.
