Seeking dedicated individuals able to train the next generation of peer support volunteers
Our peer support hotline volunteers are the backbone of our programing, offering individual aid and care for those who reach out to our crisis prevention hotlines every day. In our current climate we are seeing a growing number of calls and need to be able to rise to that occasion. We’re looking for an eligible volunteer to become a team member able to onboard new hotline volunteers.
Perspective trainers will go through training as a hotline volunteer first to gain experience on the phones and then after evaluation, continue into training to be able to confidently train new hotline recruits.
Being a trainer replies on being able to convey peer support concepts such as active listening, time management, and offering support to both callers and new volunteers.
Being aware of your own mental health and ways to combat burn out are of upmost importance.
Experience in teaching or training required. We encourage those of marginalized identities to apply.
Please read the instructions below for the specific requirements for becoming a trainer.
There will be a considerable amount of time taken to prepare a trainer so we ask for a minimum commitment of four hours a week for at least 24 - 36 months once training is complete.
A trainer must be able to convey concepts and ideas critical to our mission to trainees in a clear and understandable manner. Our hotline volunteers must be very good listeners and non-judgmental, must be able to keep their opinions to themselves, and should be comfortable talking with a wide-range of callers about difficult issues. So trainers must be able to educate incoming volunteers in ways to ensure that callers are heard and their feeling validated. A trainer has positive energy ton keep trainees encouraged and excited in their volunteering while still being able to provide constructive criticism that has trainees on track with our peer support mission.
Working with the Volunteer Coordinator and staff, trainers will also check in with new volunteers after training to help ensure they feel connected to the organization and each other for receiving support.
-Trainers must have at least 5 -8 years of experience either as a teacher or a trainer in some capacity (excluding other peer support hotlines) that will help in their ability to teach in coming volunteers. On the application you will be able to provide information on how that teaching or training experience will aid you as a volunteer trainer.
-Trainers should be confident they are able to convey concepts and ideas concerning sexuality and gender identity and expression.
-Be comfortable around technology.
-Volunteers must not have any expected major life changes in the next 18 months (ie graduation, new employment, education, etc).
-Because of the potential stress of over exertion, peer support volunteers can not be currently in graduate programs for mental health programs or medical training. (Your mental health is just as important as callers!)
-Volunteers must not be currently volunteering for another hotline or text/chat line.
-Volunteers must have a quiet, private space to answer calls and chats where you will not be disturbed and background noises will not be heard over the phone.
-Volunteers cannot use a smartphone or tablet. You must use a laptop or desktop computer.
-During training sessions you must be in the same location, as using different internet access servers may cause problems connecting.
-Additionally, your computer must be able to run Google Chrome version 78 or higher. Those using Macs need to have an operating system of mac OS 12 Monterey or higher. Those using PCS must have an operating system of Windows 10 or higher.
-When filling out the below application, we will need you to run an internet Speed Test to ensure that your local internet connection is compatible. Applications without a Speed Test can not be processed.
If you are selected as a peer-support volunteer trainer, we want to stress the importance of feeling highly confident that you can honor your commitment to being available for your scheduled hotline shift (with the exception of illness or vacation) as your schedule will be connected to that of a new hotline volunteer. Please, give careful thought to your schedule to make sure you feel comfortable with making this commitment.
We want to make this a great volunteer experience for you. It is one that can make a huge difference in training much needed peer-support volunteers and to aid those calling in. It is also one that needs to be taken seriously as new volunteers rely on your schedule to be able to train to be ready to take calls. Volunteers who need to cancel for non-emergency reasons will need to work with their trainee and staff to reschedule. Communication with staff on is very important and we are here to work with you on re-scheduling. Volunteers routinely miss shifts with no explanation or last minute may require us to end their volunteering.
Those who identify as mandated reporters in their professional careers must understand that they cannot act in that capacity while volunteering with us.
Hotline volunteer trainers go through two rounds of separate training.
First as a hotline volunteer to gain experience on the phones and with our support mission. Next, after a six month period of being a hotline volunteer they will go through training specifically as a trainer to onboard new peer support volunteers.
Because this can be a longer process there maybe a waitlist as there are only a certain amount of open training spots available at any given time. We need all the help we can get to support the community, but this does mean that volunteering in this particular position may not be immediate. If we can't place you now, we can update you as this position becomes available.
Completing the application and shift availability form below.
Phone interview. This will be a chance to get to know us, and for us to get to know you. We'll be able to answer questions you may have and give you a chance to answer a sample (not real) call.
Complete a multi-part online study course.
Complete seven training shifts where you will work with an experienced peer-support trainer (one 2-hour shift for seven weeks).
Comitt to at least 6 months of 4 hours of volunteering a week to gain experience on calls to prepare for training.
Complete several weeks of Train the Trainer programing where you will work with an experienced trainer on how to onboard new peer support hotline volunteers.
We realize there are many volunteering opportunities out there, and we want to thank you for your interest in volunteering with us. Again, take a moment to think about the requirements and the availability of your schedule.
Being a peer-support volunteer can be tough, especially right now. While we will provide training and mental health resources and check in for all volunteers, it's important that you also have forms of support for your own positive health.
If you wish to continue, please fill out the application form below and we will get in touch with you shortly
(contact information in the application will not be shared with any third parties)
May 2025
We have one current opening for a trainer.
Our trainer is available Mondays - Thursday 11 am - 1 pm or 1 pm - 3 pm. On application please list dates of your availability.
