Volunteer Opportunities
You can make a difference!
Are you interested in the opportunity to support and empower survivors of sexual violence in Carroll County and beyond? Our dedicated and passionate volunteers are the backbone of our work, and we would be happy to have YOU join our team!
RCIS volunteers receive an initial 10 hour sexual assault advocate training to learn how to provide crisis intervention, support, resources, and referrals to survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones. Volunteers sign-up for shifts at the beginning of each month and take calls from home.
Please read through our volunteer requirements and FAQs below. If you are ready to make a difference and feel that this opportunity is the right fit for you, fill out the Volunteer Application linked below to begin the on-boarding process. For more information or to discuss any questions or concerns, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Carrie Dell, at cdell@rapecrisiscc.org or call our office at (410) 857-0900.
Volunteer Requirements
To volunteer as a victim advocate with RCIS, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Successfully pass a criminal background check
- Successfully complete the initial 10-hour victim advocate training
- Attend 6 hours worth of required continual trainings throughout the year
- Commit to at least a year of service
- Commit to covering at least 4 shifts a month
- Have access to reliable and immediate phone and internet service
- Have a basic understanding of technology and the ability to navigate websites, online platforms, and respond to email communication
- Be available by phone to respond to calls and accompaniments when scheduled
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should I volunteer at RCIS?
Our volunteer advocates are an essential part of our agency and provide year round coverage to our 24/7 helpline and hospital accompaniment programs. We are looking for compassionate, personable, and dependable individuals who wish to develop their advocacy skills and actively participate in the recovery of survivors and their loved ones. If you are passionate about supporting survivors and being part of social change to end sexual violence, then this may be right for you! As a volunteer with RCIS, you will have the opportunity to receive specialized training, meet new people, join a community of like-minded advocates, and attend presentations and workshops by community professionals throughout the year. Additionally, you will be able to take the skills and training from your volunteer experience with RCIS out into your environment to continue to advocate against sexual violence and change the culture.
- What kind of support will I receive from RCIS staff?
Volunteers will recieve an initial 10 hour victim advocate training, and will recieve at least 6 hours of continued training throughout the year. All volunteers are provided with contact information to reach RCIS staff members while on call. Staff and agency therapists are also readily available for debriefing and support after a call if needed. Quarterly volunteer meetings are a key opportunity to receive support and feedback from other volunteers and staff, as well. Finally, all volunteers will be provided with hard copy and web-based resources and information packets.
- What kind of time commitment can I expect?
Volunteers are asked to make a one-year commitment to RCIS. A minimum of 4 shifts a month is required. Volunteers sign up for shifts at the beginning of each month and have the opportunity to add additional shifts throughout the month. There are various shifts offered and the majority of available shifts are outside of typical office hours, on weekends, overnight, and on holidays. Helpline calls can vary in time but typically do not exceed an hour. Hospital accompaniments can be longer than helpline calls; however, at the moment we are only providing virtual hospital accompaniments.
- Can I volunteer if I am a survivor?
Yes! Many of our previous or current volunteers have experienced some degree of sexual violence, or know of loved ones who are survivors. This level of understanding can be a valuable asset to advocacy work. However, it is important that you have taken the necessary steps in your own healing in order to establish boundaries, access a support system if needed, and provide safe and effective support to others. Disclosure throughout the application process is not expected or necessary.
- I want to volunteer, but I don’t think the 24/7 helpline is for me. What can I do?
There will be opportunities to represent RCIS and put your training to use by staffing booths and tables and community events, assisting staff with community presentations, assisting with fundraising activities, and occasionally assisting staff in the office with administrative work. If this sounds like something that you are interested in, please email volunteer@rapecrisiscc.org or call our office at 410-857-0900
- What is the application process like?
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please complete and submit the application linked below. Once submitted, staff will review your application and follow up with you within 48 hours. If your application is approved, you will be asked to meet with the Volunteer Coordinator for a brief virtual “interview” to confirm that you would be a good fit for this opportunity. Finally, you will be asked to pass a background check which has a processing fee of $25. If you have any questions, please reach out to cdell@rapecrisiscc.org