Volunteer Client Advocate
Welcome to the DOVES Program's Volunteer Client Advocate Information Page. Thank you for your desire to join our team to support and empower survivors of sexual and domestic violence. As a Volunteer Client Advocate, you will play a critical role in the DOVES Program's mission to ensure our empowerment-based and strengths-centered services are available and accessible to anyone who has experienced or been affected by sexual, domestic or dating violence. You will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of survivors by providing them with support, information, and resources as they navigate complex systems and challenges.
We believe that every person has the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all of our volunteers and clients. As a Volunteer Client Advocate, you'll use your compassion and empathy to provide emotional support, crisis intervention, and assistance with accessing resources and services. You'll work closely with a supportive team and have access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
Volunteer Client Advocates will be responsible for helping DOVES’ staff cover our 24-hour Helpline and 24-hour Text Line. We are asking volunteers to commit to three weeknights a month or 1 weekend a month. Weeknight shifts run from 4 pm on the day scheduled to 8 am the next morning. Weekend shifts run from 4 pm on Friday to 8 am on Monday.
Volunteer Client Advocates will be responsible for:
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Maintaining the highest level of confidentiality
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Providing direct services via our 24-hour Help and Text lines
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Providing direct services via face-to-face interactions
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Providing clients with safety planning and information about the civil and/or criminal justice system
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Responding to requests for advocacy from law enforcement and healthcare professionals
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Assessing the need for additional services and making appropriate referrals in-house and to other community resources
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Advocating on behalf of clients with other community agencies
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Completing client paperwork & computer work
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Communicating shift activities to other staff & volunteers
Please read the additional information before filling out the application form.