Volunteer LOSS Program

This is an unpaid volunteer assignment. This nature of this position will require volunteers to be able to respond at any hour of the day, any day of the week based on their assigned availability schedule.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION 

Central Counties Services is seeking volunteers for the Mental Health HEAL/LOSS Team who are passionate about supporting those affected by suicide loss. Approved volunteers must complete a comprehensive training program.  Volunteers will also be accompanied on a series of calls before being cleared to take calls independently.

We are looking for:

• Mental Health Professional Volunteers – Therapists, counselors and social workers trained in crisis response and grief support.
• Volunteers with Lived Experience – Suicide loss survivors who want to provide peer-based support and hope to others navigating similar experiences.
• Volunteer Community Advocates – Those with knowledge of mental health resources who are passionate about suicide prevention and postvention.

VOLUNTEER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Respond as a member of the LOSS Team to provide on-site emotional support to individuals and families.
• Work in collaboration with LMHAs, first responders, and other crisis teams.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
• Provide immediate, trauma-informed support to families, peers, and youth following a suicide death.
• Assist with navigating the grief process through the offering of comfort, guidance, and connection to resources.
• Complete specialized training provided by the LOSS Team Coordinator.
• Assist in the immediate, short-term and long-term response efforts in the aftermath of a suicide to help promote healing and mitigate the negative effects of exposure to suicide.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

• Graduation from a standard 4 year institution of higher learning with a degree in social work or psychology or closely related field preferred and/or
• Lived experience as a survivor of a death by suicide and/or
• Community awareness of available social programs and the ability to help connect those suffering with loss.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of mental health best practices relating to loss, grief, and de-escalation. 
• Ability to remain calm in highly stressful situations.
• Suicide Loss stabilization techniques and resources.
• Ability to determine types of social services needed by victims.
• Time management.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with families, center employees, community outreach and other organizations, clinical service providers, law enforcement personnel, and the public.
• Ability to apply knowledge appropriately.
• Ability to perform effectively while working independently or as part of a team.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to present a professional appearance and conduct when representing the Center.

Additional Requirements

• Must have and maintain a valid drivers’ license with an acceptable driving record.
• Those accepted will have a complete and thorough background check completed.
  • Results of these checks must be in alignment with Center expectations.

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must have a working cell phone.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• May be subject to high stress situations.

• The following physical abilities are required: hearing, manual dexterity, driving, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, talking, and visual acuity.

Nothing in this volunteer job description restricts Central Counties Services right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this volunteer assignment at any time. This volunteer position description reflects the assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This volunteer position description may change at any time.  Central Counties Services is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act & Amendments Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please contact the Human Resources Department at (254) 298-7041.