About Domestic Violence Advocacy Service (DVAS) Sligo & Leitrim & West Cavan
DVAS's vision is of a society where women are supported to live free from all forms of violence and abuse. Our mission is to maximise safety and protection for women experiencing domestic violence by providing supports and services, influencing social change, demanding State accountability and breaking the silence.
The DVAS offers a Free and Confidential Support Service for Women Experiencing Abuse in their Relationship. We provide a secure, caring setting where you are safe to tell your story. You can speak openly in a non-judgmental atmosphere.
What's Involved
The helpline volunteer will work as part of the DVAS team to provide helpline support and information to women experiencing domestic violence. The volunteer will be responsible for all related recording duties attached to these roles. The helpline volunteer will also be responsible for dealing with all incoming calls to the organisation during their shift hours. Role includes:
• Provide helpline support and information to women experiencing domestic violence and others seeking information on behalf of women at risk of violence.
• Provide information on the range of rights, entitlements and options available to women experiencing domestic violence.
• Provide emotional support to women who are accessing the DVAS helpline.
• Support women to access a range of practical supports through information provision and referral.
• Ensure that the confidentiality of all service users and workers is maintained.
• Ensure that women calling in crisis are responded to as quickly as possible by liaising with the support and advocacy team.
• Check back when necessary with the support and advocacy team for additional information about women’s legal rights and entitlements.
What's required for this position
The volunteer should have a willingness to learn about domestic violence, its nature, causes and impacts
Other Essentials:
• Excellent listening skills
• Good communication skills
• Basic computer skills
• An ability to be empathetic and supportive to others
• An ability to work in a non-judgemental manner
• An ability to remain calm in an emergency
• An ability to pass on information succinctly and clearly
• An openness to working from within a feminist human rights framework.
Desirable:
• An awareness of child protection issues
• An awareness of equality issues and a commitment to anti oppressive practice
- Advocacy/ Lobbyist
- General Admin/ Office Support
- Personable Skills
- Phone Support/ Information Giver
Level of English required for this role:
Fluent English
Times and commitment required for this role
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|
| Morning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | |
|---|
| Afternoon | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | |
|---|
| Evening |
|---|
Minimum time commitment: 2 years
Hours required: 3hrs Weekly
Other Details
Location of volunteering opportunity:
Sligo Address on Request
Screening details for this role:
- Formal Interview
- Garda Vetting
- References
- Application Form
Volunteers will be provided with the following supports:
- Support/ advice/ recognition
- Supervision
- Initial induction and training
- Reimbursement of expenses
- Insurance cover
- Ongoing training opportunities
Volunteers with the following challenges will be supported in this role
- Sensory Disability
- Mental Health Difficulties
Age restrictions:
Over 21
Is this opportunity suitable for groups/teams of volunteers?
No
Benefits you will receive as a volunteer
Volunteer will be supported to develop a range of skills and competencies in supporting women at risk and to expand their own personal development. They will have the opportunity to contribute directly to women and children's safety.
