Volunteer Sexual Assault Counselor

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network • Milford, MA

9d

About The Position

Wayside Trauma Intervention Services is seeking volunteers to support survivors of sexual assault during evening, overnight, and weekend hours. Volunteers provide crisis response, counseling, hospital and legal advocacy, safety planning, referrals, and community education. The role includes completing 40 hours of pre-service training, attending mandatory monthly supervision meetings, and responding to helpline or local hospital requests within one hour. A one-year volunteering commitment is preferred. Wayside serves youth and families across Central, Eastern, and Northeastern Massachusetts and offers volunteers training, CEUs, and career development support.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Attend all 40 hours of pre-service training required for Sexual Assault Counselor Certification.
• Applicants must be substance-use-free and sober for at least one year before training.
• Applicants who have experienced past violence must be emotionally ready to support others and at least one year past their own assault or abuse experience.
• Consent to a criminal background check (CORI).
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills; ability to respond to crises and work effectively under pressure, independently and as part of a team.
• A dependable cellular device and vehicle are necessary to respond to helpline and local hospital requests within one hour.
• Participation in monthly volunteer supervision meetings is mandatory.

Nice To Haves

• A one-year volunteering commitment is preferred.
• Ability to provide counseling in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.

Responsibilities

• Provide immediate support and crisis intervention through a 24-hour hotline.
• Offer individual and group counseling to survivors.
• Accompany survivors to hospitals for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) exams and provide emotional support and advocacy.
• Assist survivors with legal processes and safety planning, including navigating criminal justice and police systems.
• Participate in community outreach and educate the public about sexual assault.
• Connect survivors with appropriate resources and referrals.
• Provide counseling in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, as applicable.
• Attend mandatory monthly volunteer supervision meetings and submit paperwork on time.
• Respond to helpline and local hospital requests within one hour.

Benefits

• Free trainings and CEUs.
• Complimentary access to the Wayside Equity and Training Center.
• Career development support.
• Supportive teamwork atmosphere.
• Flexible hours for helpline shifts.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: No Education Listed