Volunteer Training Program for Crisis Line Volunteers
The entire training process is approximately 52 hours long. Training takes place twice a year, generally in April and September. It is our hope and intent to accommodate MSU students who need credit. Therefore, it is our preference that students utilize the September training towards a Fall or Spring Internship. The April training can be used towards a Summer or Fall internship.
Phase 1: Training consists of four trainings
This time is used to cover the primary topics including: Help Center Policies and Procedures, Values and Feelings, Active Listening Skills, Crisis Theory and Management, Mental Illness, Chemical Dependency, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Child & Elder Abuse, Information and Referral. Trainees are not expected to become experts in these areas but rather to develop familiarity with each topic. Trainees are expected to develop a measure of confidence with respect to Active Listening Skills, as these are a vital component of the Help Center's service to the public.
Phase 2: Four, 4-hour individual learning shifts.
This gives Trainees an opportunity to receive one-on-one continued training as well as a chance to observe crisis counseling. This time is used to review what was covered in Phase One, utilize various media on a range of topics, gain familiarity with Information and Referral Resources, and take phone calls if appropriate. Once trainees complete this phase, they are able to take calls and sign up for a regular weekly volunteer shift.
Phase 3: Suicide/Lifeline Call Training
This will take place on a weekend decided by the trainers. It will take place within eight weeks of the Help Center training.
After attending our Crisis Line training, volunteers are asked to commit to 6-9 months of weekly 4-hour shifts.
Phase 1: Training consists of four trainings
This time is used to cover the primary topics including: Help Center Policies and Procedures, Values and Feelings, Active Listening Skills, Crisis Theory and Management, Mental Illness, Chemical Dependency, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Child & Elder Abuse, Information and Referral. Trainees are not expected to become experts in these areas but rather to develop familiarity with each topic. Trainees are expected to develop a measure of confidence with respect to Active Listening Skills, as these are a vital component of the Help Center's service to the public.
Phase 2: Four, 4-hour individual learning shifts.
This gives Trainees an opportunity to receive one-on-one continued training as well as a chance to observe crisis counseling. This time is used to review what was covered in Phase One, utilize various media on a range of topics, gain familiarity with Information and Referral Resources, and take phone calls if appropriate. Once trainees complete this phase, they are able to take calls and sign up for a regular weekly volunteer shift.
Phase 3: Suicide/Lifeline Call Training
This will take place on a weekend decided by the trainers. It will take place within eight weeks of the Help Center training.
After attending our Crisis Line training, volunteers are asked to commit to 6-9 months of weekly 4-hour shifts.
