LOOKING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO...

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Make a real difference in people’s lives? Join a team of staff and volunteers who value all people, regardless of their situation in life? 

Boost your professional repertoire by increasing your awareness of social services, ability to manage multiple tasks, as well as interviewing and documentation skills?

If you are interested, please email volunteercoord@211bigbend.org.

Spring 2024 recruitment dates:

Zoom Information & Interview Session

FSU Dunlap Success Center, Room 1006

  • Tuesday, January 23, 7pm
  • Thursday, January 25, 7pm

Applications submitted after this date will be considered for Summer 2024.

Program Volunteers

Assist the agency in one of the following categories: Administration, Information & Referral, Public Relations, Special Events, Speaker’s Bureau.

Have another interest? Let us know and we can see what we can do.

1)  Schedule an interview with our Coordinator of Volunteers
2)  Bring your completed application to your interview

Volunteer Hotline Counselors

Provide free, short-term crisis counseling and referrals for Helpline 211 and Lifeline, and can receive additional training to answer the HIV/AIDS Hotline and Family Health Line.

Training is offered three times each year, typically beginning in January, May, and September.

Volunteer Hotline Counselor Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Upon submission, you will be contacted to schedule an interview.

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvduCrrTwtGNyE38Uqqxm0c9C5yKLrT_WC

VOLUNTEER WITH US

INFO & FAQ

HOTLINE TRAINING

211 Big Bend relies on the support of dedicated volunteers to keep our hotlines fully staffed. We are proud to have one of the most comprehensive hotline counselor training programs in the nation.

The foundational concepts of our training are “active listening” counseling, crisis theory, and a structured model for handling crisis calls. Once you have learned these basics, you will be trained to handle a variety of types of calls, including those involving:
•  Substance Abuse
•  Sexual & Domestic Violence
•  Panicked Callers
•  Information & Referral
•  Child Abuse
•  HIV/AIDS
•  Psychosis
•  Suicide
•  And More

BENEFITS

Personal Rewards
•  Make a difference in people’s lives, one call at a time
•  Personal growth, improved interpersonal skills
•  A greater understanding of self & the experiences of others
•  Meaningful relationships & networking opportunities
•  A supportive environment of staff & volunteers

Professional & Academic Rewards
•  Internship, work-study, & course credit upon approval
•  Experience providing direct service assisting with a variety of needs and concerns
•  Extensive awareness about community resources and services
•  Opportunities for paid employment
•  Letters of recommendation from supervisory staff upon completing the 200-hour commitment

Training to answer a hotline can be intense and demanding, but the 211 Big Bend team is here to support and work alongside you!

Where would I be training and volunteering?

211 Big Bend operates out of a confidential location for the safety of our counselors and the confidential information we interact with. If you are accepted to attend training, you will sign a Confidentiality Agreement and be provided the address. Currently, remote work
opportunities are available to volunteers.

Do I need prior experience?

Nope! Work or volunteer experience is helpful, but not necessary. We look for individuals who display empathy, a willingness to learn, resourcefulness, and non-judgmental attitudes.

Do you interview prospective volunteer trainees?

Yes, this helps us get a feel for someone’s attitudes and motivations related to telephone counseling and helping people in need. You will be also asked to provide contact information for three personal and/or professional references.

Who are your volunteers?

A diverse group of adults (18+) living in the Tallahassee area, representing a range of occupations, interests, and backgrounds. A significant number are students training to enter human service professions. We also make a special effort to recruit bilingual individuals who can talk directly with native Haitian-Creole or Spanish speakers.

How often will I be expected to volunteer?

18+ hours per month with a flexible schedule.

Additional Questions?

Coordinator of Volunteers
volunteercoord@211bigbend.org
Phone (850) 617-6309
Fax (850) 561-3443

*It is highly preferred you attend an info session, but if you cannot make it to any, please send your completed application at least 2 business days before the orientation session.

AFFILIATIONS

2-1-1 Big Bend partners with the following organizations:

211 Big Bend is accredited by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) and the American Association of Suicidology (AAS.)