At the YWCA North Shore Rape Crisis Center, staff and volunteers work together to provide survivors and their non-offending loved ones with support, resources, and the freedom to determine the course of their own healing process. We also share the responsibility of raising awareness within our communities and engaging them in efforts to prevent future assaults. Volunteers of all genders/gender identities, sexual orientation, religions and ethnicities are welcome in all aspects of our agency.  Also, survivors and significant others of survivors are encouraged to apply.  To apply, download the Volunteer Application, complete and scan/email to Outreach Coordinator, Ross Steinborn.

Rape Crisis Hotline Counselor

Provide support to anyone who calls our 24-hour hotline number. Callers are often survivors, but we also speak with loved ones, medical professionals, mental health providers and educators.  Anyone who may be in need of resources, referrals, or just a safe place to talk about options is welcome to call. Hotline volunteers are strongly encouraged to get involved with other aspects of Rape Crisis Work (Medical Advocacy, Legal Advocacy, Community Education & Outreach, etc.) but are not required to do so. All volunteers start with Hotline before transitioning to or adding other volunteer responsibilities.

Requirements

• Submit a completed Volunteer Application for review, followed by a 1-on-1 meeting.
• Completion of 35-hr Rape Crisis Counselor training prior to the start of direct service.
• Attend supervision meetings, usually the first Wednesday of the month.
• Access to a landline or cell phone in a secure, private location for taking calls.
• Ability to take at least one shift per week; shifts are typically 6 hours.
• Commitment to one year of service.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

For more information, please email Ross Steinborn.

Medical Advocate

Assist survivors during their visit to area hospitals after a sexual assault by helping them navigate the evidence collection process and informing them of all available options. Medical Advocates also provide support and information to any loved ones who may have accompanied the survivor to the hospital or emergency room. This service is offered 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. All Medical Advocate volunteers must participate in our Hotline and shadow an experienced Advocate on a case before going to any hospital on their own. Medical Advocates are still responsible for responding to Hotline calls while on their shift unless they are at the hospital.

Requirements

• Submit a completed Volunteer Application for review, followed by a 1-on-1 meeting.
• Completion of 35-hr Rape Crisis Counselor training prior to the start of direct service.
• Attend supervision meetings, usually the first Wednesday of the month.
• Ability to reach hospitals within our service area within 1 hour of being dispatched.
• Flexible schedule, as cases can last 6 hours or more (usually not less than 3 hours).
• Participate in Hotline and shadow a case before going to the hospital on their own.
• Ability to take one shift per week; shifts are typically 6 hours.
• Commitment to one year of service.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

For more information, please email Ross Steinborn.

Community Engagement & Outreach

Community Engagement & Outreach volunteers help to increase awareness regarding rape and sexual assault, communicate services we provide, and speak about prevention efforts to decrease societal tolerance of sexual violence throughout the North Shore. They attend heath and community resource fairs, conduct educational presentations and workshops, and may also assist in training professionals to become better equipped in supporting survivors following disclosure.

Requirements

• Submit a completed Volunteer Application for review, followed by a 1-on-1 meeting.
• Completion of 35-hr Rape Crisis Counselor training prior to the start of direct service.
  Note:  Click here to see a sample training curriculum and agenda.  We update the training dates as appropriate. 
• Attend supervision meetings, usually the first Wednesday of the month.
• Comfort speaking in front of groups.
• Ability to take at least 2 hotline shifts per month.
• Commit to one year of service.

For more information, please email Ross Steinborn.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

Don’t see what you were looking for? Have other interests or skills you would like to contribute to our center? To inquire about other volunteer opportunities, please email Ross Steinborn. or contact him at 781.477.2313.