The Ulster County Crime Victims Assistance Program operates a 24-hour crisis hotline. We are always in need of compassionate individuals willing to volunteer. After successful completion of a New York State Department of Health approved 40-hour training program, volunteers may be certified as a Rape Crisis Counselor Volunteer, and can begin providing assistance to innocent victims of violence within our community.
The Role of Volunteers:
To provide immediate assistance to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and other violent crimes via telephone or in person. Services are requested by survivors, police, hospital or family through a 24-hour hotline, 845 340-3442. Trained volunteers staff the hotline when the office is closed - evenings, weekends, and holidays
Volunteers offer telephone support, or may go to local hospitals or police facilities to provide information and support to the victim and family members. A telephone answering service enables volunteers to cover the hotline from anywhere in Ulster County. Brief hotline reports are submitted to the office for follow-up by Crime Victims Assistance Program counselors.
Training:
The Crime Victims Assistance Program offers a 40 hour training, as established by the New York State Department of Health guidelines, leading to certification as a Rape Crisis Counselor/Volunteer. The training prepares volunteers to understand and respond to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other violent crimes. Participants will also learn about criminal justice and human service agencies in Ulster County.
Additional training sessions and general volunteer meetings provide ongoing training and support for active volunteers.
Responsibilities:
Upon successful completion of training, volunteers agree to provide hotline coverage.
Hours of coverage are: Monday through Thursday from 5pm until 9am the following morning, and Friday from 5pm until Monday 9am. Volunteers are obligated to maintain strict confidentiality regarding victims, to abstain from using alcohol and other drugs while on-call, and to be non-judgmental and accepting of victims, their circumstances and choices.
Volunteers must accumulate 10 additional hours of continuing education training each year of certification. This requirement may be satisfied by attending regularly scheduled volunteer meetings and training sessions, approved conferences or workshops, or approved credit or non-credit courses.
Eligibility:
Volunteers must:
- be at least 18 years old
- have reliable transportation and a clean driver's license
- live within an hour of Health Alliance Hospital - Mary's Avenue, Kingston.
If you are interested in volunteering for Crime Victims Assistance Program, please contact our office at 845-340-3443 during business hours.
