People Against Rape Volunteer Position Description Purpose of job:
To offer support, crisis intervention, and advocacy services to sexual assault victims (women, children, and men).
To receive calls from the 24-hour PAR Hotline for crisis intervention, information, and referrals.
Duties and responsibilities:
Commit to cover at least three shifts per month as on-call advocate.
Must be reachable by phone during scheduled shift.
Must be able to respond to the hospital within 30 minutes of the call.
Respond to PAR Hotline phone calls.
Report any and all activity to PAR office as soon as possible the next working day.
If unable to cover scheduled shift, find a replacement On-Call Advocate.
Qualifications:
Must attend PAR Advocate training course.
Must be eighteen months post trauma.
Ability to work effectively with victims, police, and medical personnel.
Reliability and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Flexibility-to apply basic concepts and information to a wide variety of unexpected situations.
Ability to work within the boundaries of PAR’s regulations and procedures.
Time Commitment:
Three shifts per month for a nine month commitment upon completion of training.
On-Call shifts are Monday through Friday 5 pm - 9 am; Weekends and holidays 9am – 9 pm .Shifts can be flexible.
On Call calendars are made and distributed every month by the Volunteer Coordinator.
Training Required or Provided:
Twenty five hours of PAR Advocate Training
Minimum Age:
18 years old
Physical Activity Required:
Must be able to drive and provide own transportation in order to respond quickly (within 30 minutes) to calls for victim accompaniment at hospitals.
Location of job:
Volunteers may cover their shifts from any location as long as they are reachable by phone or pager, and are able to respond to MUSC within 30 minutes.
Benefits of Volunteering:
Direct contact with victims in crisis.
Basic and on-going training to improve communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a variety of people in diverse crisis situations.
Opportunity to network with others who work with crime victims.
References for prospective employment.
Other Volunteer Opportunities:
PAR Advocates may assist in educating the public about sexual assault issues such as date rape, risk reduction, and sexual harassment.
PAR Advocates may facilitate in our peer style support groups.
People Against Rape 2154 North Center Street, Suite 302 North Charleston, SC 29406 (843) 745-0144 (phone) (843) 745-0119 (fax) par@peopleagainstrape.org