Training Sessions begin in January, April, July, & October. Apply today!
Why Volunteer with Crisis Support Services of Alameda County (CSS)?
The programs of CSS are only possible through the work of our dedicated volunteers. By giving a few hours each week, you can make a difference for someone in need. Our volunteers enjoy working on a team and are part of an engaged, diverse, and caring community. Most importantly, volunteers can take pride in providing an essential service to the community and making a difference in other people’s lives.
Volunteer Training
Our extensive volunteer training program is intended to train community members to respond to crisis and provide counseling for those in need. While our volunteers come from all walks of life, for those pursuing or considering a career in mental health, working with CSS is particularly beneficial. You will learn new skills, gain experience in a specialized area of counseling, and broaden your depth of knowledge.
Crisis Line Counselors
Volunteers who have successfully completed our training program are Crisis Line Counselors. Crisis Line Counselors should be naturally empathetic, dedicated, and able to work in a fast paced environment. By volunteering with CSS, Crisis Line Counselors provide crucial intervention services for people in crisis at the time of their greatest need. Crisis Line Counselors also gain unique insight and experience in the mental health field while working collaboratively with a supportive team. By providing non-judgmental, person-centered counseling, you will be supporting those in crisis and helping to reduce the stigma around mental illness and suicide.
No experience necessary. We will be training you on all the necessary skills.
We believe that systemic change happens with one caring voice at a time. Are you ready to make a difference?
The Commitment
Crisis Line Counselors must successfully complete our training program by attending all training classes and showing proficiency and competency in suicide assessment and building rapport with callers. We also expect all Crisis Line Counselors to adhere to agency protocols and philosophy. Our training program takes 3-4 months. You will attend several weekend or weekday training classes, along with receiving one-on-one, on-the-phone-training, with an experienced Crisis Line Trainer. After you complete our training, we ask for a one year commitment of one 4-hour shift per week.
Please see our Volunteering FAQ for answers to specific questions. You can also contact us for additional information not addressed in the FAQ.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying for a Volunteer position at Crisis Support Services of Alameda County, please submit the online application form or download and return the completed application via email to training@crisissupport.org or via US mail to:
Crisis Support Services at P.O. Box 3120, Oakland, CA 94609.
