Volunteer Sexual Assault Counselor

Come demonstrate your passion for child & family empowerment by joining the Wayside team!

At Wayside, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative, and equity- focused community that approaches client care as a matter of social justice. Wayside is one of Massachusetts’ most respected child and family serving agencies with program locations across Central, Eastern and Northeastern Massachusetts serving more than 6,000 children, young adults, and families each year.

Wayside thinks of our employees as whole people and invests in benefits to support wellness.

• A learning environment – free training institute with thought leaders, CEU trainings & program trainings, etc. 

• Teamwork atmosphere Career development support – a great place to grow your career!!!

Join Wayside Trauma Intervention Services as a Volunteer Sexual Assault Counselor for Evenings, Overnights, and Weekends.

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of survivors of sexual assault? Wayside Trauma Intervention Services seeks dedicated volunteers to join our team as Evening and Overnight Sexual Assault Counselors. Your support can provide crucial assistance to those in need during their most vulnerable moments.

Key Responsibilities:

· 24-Hour Hotline and Crisis Intervention: Provide immediate support and crisis intervention via our 24-hour hotline.

· Supportive Counseling: Offer individual and group counseling to help survivors navigate their healing journey.

· Hospital and Medical Advocacy: Accompany survivors to hospitals during their Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Exam, offering emotional support and advocacy.

· Legal Advocacy and Safety Planning: Assist survivors with legal processes, develop personalized safety plans, and learn to navigate the criminal justice and police systems.

· Community Outreach and Education: Engage in community outreach to raise awareness and educate the public about sexual assault.

· Tailored Referrals and Resources: Connect survivors with resources and referrals that meet their unique needs.

· Multilingual Counseling Services: Provide English, Spanish, or Portuguese counseling.

Whom We’re Looking For:

· Compassionate Communicators: Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills are essential for responding to crises and working effectively under pressure, both independently and as part of a team.

· Survivor Support: Survivors of past violence must be emotionally ready to assist others and be at least one year past their own assault/abuse experience.

· Sobriety Commitment and Background Check: All Applicants must be substance-use-free and sober for at least one year before training and consent to a criminal background check (CORI).

· Ongoing Supervision: Monthly volunteer supervision meetings are mandatory to guarantee that all volunteers receive the necessary support, and that paperwork is submitted on time. Some monthly meetings will be held in person, while the majority will offer a hybrid option. Your participation in these meetings will be crucial.

· Age and Training Requirements: Volunteers must be 18+

· Training and Commitment: The Sexual Assault Counselor Certification requires attendance at all 40 hours of pre-service training sessions, with a preferred one-year volunteering commitment.

· Stipend: The first 3 hires will receive a $1,200 stipend upon completing training and a one-year commitment.

· Flexible Hours: Enjoy flexible hours for helpline shifts.

· A dependable cellular device and vehicle are necessary to respond to the helpline and local hospitals within one hour of a request.

Why Volunteer with Us?

· Make a Real Impact: Your support can change lives and provide hope to survivors.

· Comprehensive Training: Gain valuable skills and knowledge through our 40-hour pre-service training program and complimentary access to the Wayside Equity and Training Center

· Supportive Community: Join a team of dedicated professionals and volunteers committed to making a difference.

· Flexible Scheduling: Volunteer hours that fit your lifestyle and availability.

· Financial Incentive: Earn a stipend while making a meaningful contribution to your community.

Wayside welcomes equity-minded applicants whose values align with our goal of being a child welfare and behavioral health agency committed to anti-racism, social justice, and advocacy. Successful candidates are asked to be engaged in Wayside’s dedication to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Bilingual/bicultural and LGBTQ+ applicants are encouraged to apply!

If you’re ready to make a difference and support survivors of sexual assault, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today to join our compassionate and dedicated Wayside Trauma Intervention Services team. 

Wayside welcomes equity-minded applicants whose values align with our goal of being a child welfare and behavioral health agency committed to anti-racism, social justice, and advocacy. Successful candidates are asked to be engaged in Wayside’s dedication to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Bilingual/bicultural and LGBTQ+ applicants are encouraged to apply!