Department: Victim Services
Position: National Sexual Assault Hotline (NSAH) Volunteer
Reporting To: NSAH Volunteer Management Team
About RAINN:
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE, the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline at rainn.org, and the DoD Safe Helpline, on behalf of the Department of Defense. RAINN also publicizes the hotlines' free, confidential services; educates the public about sexual assault; and leads national efforts to prevent sexual violence, improve services to victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice.
About the Volunteer Position:
This opportunity is an unpaid volunteer position to support survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones through RAINN's online hotline chat platform.
As a key member of RAINN's Victim Services team, the NSAH Volunteer will provide live, secure, anonymous crisis support to the growing number of people who prefer communicating online through a simple instant message format, giving those affected by sexual assault a safe place to receive support.
NSAH volunteers are responsible for providing high-quality services to users of the National Sexual Assault Hotline, including but not limited to victims of sexual assault and their loved ones. Volunteers also receive extensive and ongoing crisis-intervention training as well as professional development and coaching opportunities.
Please read the following responsibilities and qualifications before completing the
.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Utilize crisis intervention best practices including safety planning, brainstorming, and listening skills to provide compassionate support to hotline users.
• Complete regular training on serving NSAH users.
• Answer inbound crisis-intervention online chats to NSAH users.
• Support NSAH users and provide accurate referral services.
• Maintain knowledge and adhere to RAINN's and NSAH's policies and protocols.
• Assist with NSAH specific data collection by completing session assessments during each shift.
• Attend and participate in any additional training for all NSAH volunteers.

Position Specifications/Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required:

• Must be familiar with instant messaging.
• Ability to work well under pressure and maintain composure during stressful situations; ability to handle shifting and multiple priorities.
• Ability to solve problems and deal with a wide range of situations.
• Ability to interpret a variety of written instructions.
• Ability to exercise good judgment when faced with complex decisions.
• Resiliently positive and energetic attitude, with the ability to successfully work on a team and independently.
• Willingness to work a non-traditional schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to type a minimum of 35 words per minute (WPM).
• Reside in the US and have a US social security number for the background check process.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be comfortable discussing issues around sexual violence.
• Must complete a criminal background check (administered by RAINN).

Desired Qualifications:

• At least 1-year of professional experience in one or more of the following:
• Working with vulnerable populations and/or survivors of sexual violence.
• Working in human resources, social services, or customer service.
• Crisis hotline/intervention experience (volunteer or paid position).
• Experience using an online learning platform.
• Both literate and fluent in Spanish writing and grammar skills.
• Ability to pass a proficiency test given during the application process.

Evaluation:

1. Volunteers receive real-time positive and constructive feedback from NSAH Staffers who supervise their interactions with hotline visitors .
2. Volunteers have the opportunity to schedule check-ins sessions with the volunteer management team as often as needed for chat debriefs or skill development.
3. Volunteers occasionally receive positive feedback from hotline visitors.

Time Commitment:

1. All volunteers are asked to commit to a regular shift on the hotline - this may be weekly, bi-weekly, or one weekend a month. This shift is outlined in the initial application and is based on operational need.
2. At least one year of service.

Training Information:
Individuals who are approved will start an estimate of 50 hours of online training:

1. Complete and pass a 40-hour-long online training.
   1. Successfully complete and pass course quizzes after each online course.
2. Attend and participate in four online, live-facilitated sessions, totaling 12 hours.
3. Participate in a three-hour-long partnered roleplay and debrief.
4. Successfully pass two supervised sessions (two hours per session) with a licensed supervisor for final approval of volunteer status.

Benefits:

1. Volunteers who complete all required training are eligible for the .
2. Receive ongoing support from the NSAH volunteer management team, including access to office hours and chat debrief sessions.
3. Receive tokens of appreciation from RAINN/volunteer management team.
4. Provide much-needed support to survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones.
5. Receive extensive, ongoing, and up-to-date crisis intervention training; facilitated by RAINN professionals and completely free of charge.
6. Interact with experts in the field, an array of staff members, and other volunteers nationwide.
7. Work/Volunteer from the comfort of their own home.
8. Develop and continuously practice active listening skills.

Link To Apply:
For the application to be considered, applicants must be at least 18 years of age by the time of submission, have a US Social Security number (SSN), and commit to completing their volunteer service within the continental United States. Once approved for training, onboarding applicants must first pass a free-of-charge criminal background provided by RAINN.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please no phone calls.
When you volunteer for RAINN, you're joining a team of experts and professionals who stand up for survivors of sexual violence every day. Your job is importantand so are you! RAINN will not discriminate against any applicant because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, genetic information, or protected veteran status. RAINN is committed to maximizing the diversity of its organization and depends on a diverse staff to carry out its mission, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.