Applications are currently being accepted for new volunteer crisis support workers by the Lethbridge Police Victim/Witness Services program.
Volunteer crisis support workers aid victims or witnesses of crime or trauma navigate the acute challenges of their experiences, the criminal justice process and help open doors to accessing community resources, so individuals can regain empowered control.
While there is no specific experience required, the unit is seeking individuals who are 18 or over, have a clear criminal record and a desire to provide acute crisis care to people from all walks of life who have been victims of crime, trauma or tragedy.
Volunteer crisis support workers receive extensive training and ongoing learning opportunities to support LPS by providing trauma-informed, client-centred care for victims on scene and over the phone.
Victim/Witness Services Manager Catherine Pooley says the program has been running for about 33 years and offers support to people in the middle of crisis of all different types of situations. “We can only do that because we have an incredible group of volunteers. Every year, we do have some vacancies we need to fill. We know our community’s needs and we want to make sure we always have the right people trained up and ready to jump in when a situation arises.”
Typically, Pooley notes, the program runs with a team of between 60 to 65 volunteers. “Right now, we have a team of 50, so we’re looking to fill about 15 positions to make sure we have all the needs met across the community. We provide 24/7 coverage – all done by volunteers.”
The time commitment for a volunteer is two shifts a month, adds Pooley. “The on-call shift is about 12 hours.”
“It’s not a huge time commitment. You just need to be available should the call come in to be able to be there if people need you. We do ask for a two-year commitment. Learning this is very substantial information and building the comfort and competence to be on scene takes some time. We have the ability to mentor people through that process,” says Pooley.
Volunteers learn an incredible amount of information and have access to new training and new skill sets.
“For those that want to become police officers, this is a great opportunity to learn how to be in a crisis that is a police situation and know how to do that well. For someone that wants to be a counsellor, this is a great opportunity to learn what it’s like to be in the discomfort of trauma. Or for someone that just wants to give back to their community, it’s a great way to connect with fellow coworkers, to meet different people in the community and have that purpose that grounds you into the work you’re doing. We have a dynamic group of volunteers. All different ages, different genders and different ethnicities. We really encourage that diversity when we’re looking to build our team because you’re able to meet the needs of the community and grow your own connections,” says Pooley.
Volunteer Sian Townsend was looking for a way to give back to the community, after retiring from a career in healthcare. “I am new. I’ve been here now for less than a year. It’s an opportunity to work with people of all age groups, all diversity and being there for people in the community in their time of need.”
Volunteer Calais Hanson learned about the program when working on an undergraduate degree in Psychology. “I’ve been here almost five years. It’s been an incredible learning experience, especially for students wanting to diversify their skill set and learn more.”
