Helpline Volunteer

Duties

• Providing confidential and anonymous information and referral services regarding HIV/AIDS related inquiries from the general public, community organizations and health care providers over the phone, via email and through the online forum.
• Maintaining accurate statistics on all Helpline interactions
• Staying updated and informed on current issues, resources and referrals by doing research & a newspaper scanning service that also informs AIDS Vancouver staff. This includes distribution of e-newsletters that come through the Helpline
• Other duties as needed

Skills & Attributes

• You want to make a difference
• Empathetic and non-judgmental attitude
• Strong listening skills
• Outgoing and able to approach the public
• Comfortable with explicit language and meeting people where they are at
• Excellent organizational and communication skills (including writing)
• Comfortable with telephone and internet based communication
• Ability to work within a team environment but also independently (& with initiative)     
• Fluent in English; additional language(s) are an asset
• Sensitive and responsive to HIV/AIDS and diverse sexual issues

Training & Support

• AIDS Vancouver Agency Orientation & Education
• Specialized program/project training
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training
• On the job orientation
• On-going support and supervision from assigned Supervisor
• Evaluations, exit interviews and letters of reference are available upon a volunteer's request. Letters of reference are available after 6 months.

Benefits

• To be a part of a larger team that is working towards social change.
• To learn new and transferable skills, knowledge and experience.
• To engage in opportunities for leadership, community service and personal/professional development.
• To be recognized and appreciated for valuable contributions.
• To meet new people and have fun