Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA) is seeking volunteers to join our team providing 24-hour advocacy services. Our volunteers are critical to supporting survivors in our community. They answer calls to our helpline and go to the hospital to support patients during overnight and weekend hours.

Volunteering with PAVSA is a great way to get involved in the community, learn crisis intervention and de-escalation skills, and build knowledge of local resources. In accordance with the State of Minnesota, Statute 595.02, all volunteers must complete a 40-hour Sexual Assault Advocacy Training. PAVSA provides this training at no cost to you and will equip you with the skills you need to be a great advocate!

Right now, we are most in need of hospital advocates. Hospital advocates are individuals who go to our local hospitals to provide support and advocacy when a survivor seeks care after a sexual assault. Hospital advocates are accompanied by SANEs (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) – nurses with specialized training in responding to sexual assaults.

Helpline advocates talk with survivors on our 24-hour helpline when our office is closed. They provide validation, support, and resources to survivors over the phone.

All volunteer advocates are supervised by a PAVSA staff during their shift who is available over the phone to answer questions as they come up.

Duties:
Under the supervision of the Volunteer Coordinator
– Provide crisis intervention and support services
– Participation in volunteer training opportunities, case consultation, and monthly advocacy meetings

Essential Functions:
– Crisis intervention and support services
– Complete 40-hour Sexual Assault Advocacy Training (provided by PAVSA)
– Provide support to victim-survivors and their loved ones who utilize PAVSA’s 24-hour services
– Assist with ensuring that the cultural needs of survivors are being addressed in advocacy

Helpline Advocates:
– Respond to crisis calls on PAVSA’s 24-hour helpline
– Use active listening, empathy, and other interpersonal skills to provide support over the phone to survivors and their loved ones
– Refer survivors to appropriate PAVSA services and community resources
– Complete all PAVSA paperwork for helpline calls by noon of the following business day
– Make a plan with survivor for follow up from PAVSA staff during next available business hours
– On average, helpline calls last about 20 minutes and occur 0-3 times during the course of a shift

Hospital Advocates:
– Provide supportive advocacy for victim-survivors of sexual assault who are receiving medical forensic exams at Duluth emergency departments
– Collaborate with hospital staff and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), and, with the survivor’s consent, law enforcement
– Refer survivors to appropriate PAVSA services and community resources
– Make a plan with survivors for follow up from PAVSA staff during next available business hours
– Complete all necessary paperwork and return it to the PAVSA office within 24 hours of the exam
– Debrief experience with the Volunteer Coordinator following contacts at the hospital
– On average, a hospital advocate spends about 2-4 hours with the survivor during their exam

Participation in volunteer training opportunities, case consultation, and monthly advocacy meetings:
– Attend monthly volunteer supervision meetings
– Meet with Volunteer Coordinator on an as needed basis for consultations and check ins

Qualifications:
– 18 years of age or older
– Ability to complete state-mandated 40-Hour Sexual Assault Advocacy Training
– Availability during evening, weekend, and holiday hours
– Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form
– Ability to work independently and as part of a team
– Experience and/or skill working with crisis situations
– Strong commitment to survivors and PAVSA’s mission

Hours & On-Call Expectations:
– 1 to 3 shifts per month on-call
– Monday – Friday on-call shifts: 16-hours from 4:30pm to 8:30am the following day
– Saturday, Sunday, and holiday on-call shifts: 24-hours from 8:30am to 8:30am the following day
– Carry a cell phone while on-call
– Immediate response to calls and texts while on-call
– Access to reliable transportation
– 30-minute response time to Duluth hospitals

Compensation:
– $25/shift
– $50/holiday shift
– $100/in-person hospital call

Supervision:
– Volunteer Coordinator provides daily supervision and administration of the program
– Rotating Staff Back Up serve as a supervisory resource during all on-call shifts

If you are interested in volunteering, please complete this interest form: https://forms.gle/Yhd4dkfXjLAT9AtZA