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About the Position
Position:
1589 - 408-Helpline Responder/Talk Suicide Text Responder
Organization:
Location:
Mississauga, Virtual

Goal

About Distress Centres of Greater Toronto

Established in 1967, Distress Centres of Greater Toronto is a service agency dedicated to providing timely emotional support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention to people in distress. We are a group of well-trained individuals who are no different from you, driven by a strong will to help those in need.

We provide free support for those in crisis, at risk for suicide and those experiencing emotional distress through 24/7 English, multi-lingual inbound (Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Cantonese) outbound helpline and in-person programs.

Distress Centres of Greater Toronto run Training Groups year-round alternating on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-9pm. Each Training Group runs for 5 weeks and upon completing same successfully we ask for a 1-year commitment.


Description

We are currently recruiting for the following positions:

408-Helpline Responder: Provide crisis intervention and emotional support to everyone in the community. Shift commitment expectations are 12 hours a month and each shift are 3 hours except for the overnight which is 12am-6am. You can however choose to split your overnight shifts ( 2 x 3 hours overnight; one from 12am to 3am and 3am to 6am in the same month).

Talk Suicide Text Responder: Nation-wide bilingual support services (English and French) Provide support to individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts. Shift commitment expectations are one 4 hours shift a week between the hours of 4pm- 1am 


Benefits

  • Training received
  • Enhanced self-growth
  • Preparation for careers such as social work, police, counselling and community outreach, etc
  • Letters of reference provided upon fulfilment of one-year commitment and the opportunity to make a difference
  • Potential employment opportunities within the organization.

Supervision: All Volunteers will have a direct supervisor who is accessible for questions, coaching and debriefing as needed with scheduled monthly check-ins.

Please note, volunteering is predominantly remote with limited on-site access at our Mississauga location.


Qualifications

Requirements:

  • Minimum age 18
  • Access to own computer (running Windows 10 or MacOS 10.13x or greater) a must
  • A quiet place to work is required (position is remote)
  • Access to secure password protected hi-speed Wi-fi internet connection with 50-100 mbp download/ upload speed
  • Basic computer skill is required
  • Self-motivated and ability to volunteer independently
  • Quick learner, flexible and ability to multitask
  • A Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Check
  • 2 Professional References (Teacher/Instructor, Supervisor i.e. Employment/Volunteer, Spiritual Advisor i.e. Pastor, Imam, Priest etc.)
Min Age: 18
Max Age: 99   
Police Check: Required   
Resume:Not required   
Driver's Licence: Not required   
Proof of Vaccination: Not required


Time Commitment
This is a Long Term (More than 6 months) commitment starting 2023-09-01 AND ending 2024-09-01
Shifts are available Anytime

How to Apply / Contact:

Please apply directly on our website at https://www.dcogt.com/volunteer-form/  by completing an online application. After you have applied, please monitor your email (inlc.'Junk/Spam' folders) and leave space on your voicemail for communication from DCOGT.


Training

Training: Online/ Remote Training will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-9pm. Each Training Group runs for 5 weeks every other month.

Our Modules Include topics such as:


  • Solution Focused Model and Active Listening

  • Mental Health & Self-Care

  • Frequent and Difficult Interactions, Self-harm

  • Crisis & Suicide Support

  • Abuse

  • Aging & Elder Abuse.



More Details
Areas of Interest: Crisis, Distress & Emergency Response, Counselling & Mental Health, Life Skills & Accessibility, Senior Support, Multilingual
Accessibility: Partially Accessible Workspace, Wheelchair Accessible Parking
Ideal for: Individuals, Co-op Placements, Older Adults



How to Contact
Send an Email Message
Social Media
https://www.dcogt.com/
https://www.facebook.com/DistressCentresGTA
https://twitter.com/distresscentres
https://www.linkedin.com/company/distress-centres-toronto/


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