Community Support Volunteer

About

On successful completion of an extensive, in depth training program, volunteers provide support for individuals managing life issues such as transitions, isolation, relationships, loss and grief or unemployment. This free program is well suited to clients whose needs do not necessarily require a professional counsellor but who would benefit from the support of a skilled volunteer. Community Support Volunteers also co-facilitate psycho-educational groups run through the agency. This program welcomes the participation of both men and women.

Objectives

Community Support Volunteers provide accountable and ethical emotional support to clients of the Family Resource Centre. This is done through individual client contact as well as group work. Clients are screened through our intake process and will typically have a single issue. Volunteers will not be assigned clients who are dealing with complex issues of sexual abuse, trauma or addiction. CSV’s also have opportunities to partner with a professional counsellor in co-facilitating self-help groups offered through the Family Resource Centre such as “Anger Management”, “Assertiveness Training”, and “Inward Bound”.

Training

The Family Resource Centre provides extensive training for its volunteers. In addition to the class sessions, there will be reading and written assignments as well as role playing and practice counselling sessions (including videotaping with other trainees). Participation in the Training Program will require 100+ hours of your time. The emphasis of the training will be on development of communication and support skills. There is also a personal development component which will require you to explore your values, beliefs, emotions, and relationships. Active participation in the group is necessary in order to get the most out of the training sessions. Topics covered in the training program include:

• Beliefs, Values, & Personal Growth
  • Developing & Nurturing Counsellor Qualities
• A Helping Model
• Communication Skills
• Attending Behaviour
• Empathetic Listening & Responding
• Challenging Skills
• Goal Setting & Problem Solving
• Agency Orientation

Application & Interview Process

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer in this very valuable program, please complete our confidential application questionnaire indicating that you would like to be considered for the next training session. This application should then be delivered to the Family Resource Centre (Suite 210, 3402-27th Avenue, Vernon) by early-September via email (to tanderson@vernonfrc.ca), Canada Post, or in person. Once applications are received and reviewed you are contacted for an interview. This opportunity will ensure the program meets the needs of both parties. At this interview, you will be asked to provide three personal and/or professional references. Community Support Volunteers are required to provide a current Criminal Record Check. Applications for the next volunteer training sessions will be reviewed at the beginning of September, 2022.

Commitment & Support

Upon successful completion of the training program, Community Support Volunteers are asked to share their new skills with the Family Resource Centre for a minimum of 150 hours. Your valuable volunteer work will be supported by participating in meetings for the purpose of receiving ongoing education and support in your role as a CSV. In addition, it is a requirement that you meet with an assigned mentor (a professional counsellor) on a regular basis to debrief and receive guidance with regard to your clients. On-going follow-up, supervision and support will be provided to you by the Coordinator of Volunteer Services.

Benefits to the Volunteer

Participation in our training program will not only prepare you for your volunteer role at the Family Resource Centre, but will also be of assistance to you in many aspects of your personal life. You will receive ongoing support as a member of the Community Support Volunteer Program, as well as a member of the Family Resource Centre team. Perhaps most importantly, you will be given opportunities to make a real difference in the lives of others in our community.

Thank you for your interest in our program!

Our community has a wealth of individuals with strong people skills and varied life experiences that will be an asset both to our team and our clients. Likewise, it is our belief that participation in a volunteer position is both personally rewarding and fulfilling. We look forward to speaking to those of you who have an interest in this valuable program.

Please contact our Coordinator of Volunteer Services at 250-545-3390 if you have any questions or would like further information.