Volunteer Victim Advocate

 Job Description: Volunteer Victim Advocate

Qualifications: 

At least 18 years of age at the time of training, pass a South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Criminal background check, complete an application and interview. Successfully complete a mandatory 25-hour DHEC approved volunteer training, Have the desire and ability to work with individuals and groups of varying backgrounds. This is an on-going volunteer position.

Overview of duties: 

•   Volunteer advocates are on call during the week between the hours of 5 PM and 9 AM the next morning.  On weekend duty shifts, the advocate is on call from 9 AM until 9 AM the next morning. 
• Advocates are to be available by telephone during their entire on-call shift.  The advocate uses personal cell phone during shift. Calls are transferred. 
• The on-call advocate will respond to all emotional support and/or crisis calls received on the HOTLINE and will provide immediate crisis intervention. Advocates may NOT go to the home of a client or caller, or to any other place outside of the hospital.  Advocates may NOT disclose their own personal phone numbers or addresses to clients / callers.  
• After taking a crisis call, Advocates will complete all relevant forms and bring in these forms within 24 hours of the incident.  The advocate will also come in (or call) the office the next morning to discuss their shift, any calls, and to help determine what follow-up needs to occur. 
• After completion of the initial 25hour formal advocate training, advocates will attend advocate meetings and training opportunities to complete a minimum of 4 hours of additional training per year. 

Advocates may volunteer for activities in addition to or other than on-call HOTLINE shift.  These include: office assistance, child advocacy, community education, community presentations, fundraising, and special events.