About Crime Victims Helpline
Crime Victims Helpline is a national freephone helpline which offers support to victims of crime in Ireland.
What's Involved
The Crime Victims Helpline is currently recruiting for our Spring Volunteer Training Programme, 2024.
The national Crime Victims Helpline, freephone 116 006, is a listening and support service for victims of crime in Ireland. Our aim is to support, inform and empower victims and all those impacted by crime. We provide time and space for victims to talk about their experiences. We also provide information about the criminal justice system and referrals to other resources in the community.
We are seeking friendly, reliable people to provide telephone support to our Helpline callers for 3-hours approx. a week, Monday to Friday 10.00am to 5.00pm.
Volunteers answer the helpline from the CVH Office in Dublin 2 as well as remotely (dependent upon training, experience and technology). Remote volunteering requires a good internet connection, either through a laptop or a PC, and a private space.
Volunteers must be warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental. You must also be comfortable providing information and exploring options with callers without telling them what to do.
We welcome volunteers from all walks of life and value diversity. Due to the nature of the work, fluent English is a must and basic IT skills required. Volunteers must be living in Ireland and over 18 years of age.
Commitment
A minimum one-year commitment is required on completion of the extensive training provided. All volunteers are subject to Garda vetting and reference checks.
Next Steps
1. Application forms are available online.
If you have any queries you can ring us on 01 4086116.
Closing date for applications is Friday 22nd March, 2024.
2. Interview – Once we receive your completed application, you will be contacted to arrange an online interview. Shortly afterwards we will notify you whether you have been selected for training.
3. Training – You will receive extensive training on active listening skills; the criminal justice system; crime victims’ rights; and resources that are available in the community for victims of crime.
There are two initial training days listed below and then further training provided. Initial Training takes place in two modules:
Module 1: Saturday, 13th April, 10.00am to 4.00pm
Module 2: Saturday, 20th April, 10.00am to 4.00pm
You are required to complete the two full days of training. If you are not available to take part in both days, please do not submit an application.
Training is also offered remotely, online participants are expected to attend online with cameras on and fully engage throughout the training days
4. Observation – If invited to progress to the next step of training, you will shadow an experienced volunteer on the Helpline. This will allow you the opportunity to avail of more in-depth training, ask questions, familiarise yourself with the technology and record-keeping process and confirm whether you are comfortable with the requirements of the role. (4 x 2hour sessions approx). This training can be done in the office or remotely.
5. Supervised Helpline Calls – When you are ready, you will begin to take Helpline calls. You will be supervised during this stage so that we can provide you with support and guidance after each call. This training can be done in the office or remotely.
6. Once steps one through five are satisfactorily completed and it is mutually agreed that the role is a good fit, you will be offered a regular volunteer position on the Helpline.
For more information please visit this link.
What's required for this position
The ideal volunteer has the ability to connect with a wide variety of people; is non-judgemental; compassionate; a good listener and can provide information and options to callers without telling them what to do. Training is provided so no prior knowledge or experience with the criminal justice system is required.
If done remotely, a good internet connection, computer/tablet and private space are required.
- 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 |
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| Morning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | |
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| Afternoon | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | |
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| Evening |
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Minimum time commitment: 2 years
Hours required: 3hrs Weekly
Other Details
Location of volunteering opportunity:
Remotely or based in the office in Dublin 2 depending on the helpline time slot allocated
Screening details for this role:
- Garda Vetting
- Informal Interviews
- References
- Application Form
- Identification Check (photo ID etc…)
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
- Physical Disability
- Sensory Disability
Age restrictions:
Over 18
Is this opportunity suitable for groups/teams of volunteers?
No
Getting there
Red Line Luas stop and multiple bus stops close by.
