King County Crisis Connections is a public service in the Seattle area that connects people in physical, emotional and financial crisis to services that will be of help. As a civic-minded person, I chose to get involved in Crisis Connections because of the extensive training that’s included as part of the service, as well as the direct contact volunteers make with people in need. It was a hugely rewarding experience.
Before my first phone shift, I was fortunate to participate in a 65-hour training program that included modules in a variety of therapeutic topics.
Relationship Abuse
Addictive Behavior
Crisis Intervention
Grief and Loss
Mental Health
Logistical Support
Recovery
Suicide Intervention
Once my training was complete, I began my first weekly volunteer shifts. My participation evolved to include the following roles:
Phone Worker
I worked a supervised weekly in-person volunteer shift to provide confidential emotional, problem-solving, and active-crisis support to callers in a wide range of crises. Over the phone, I listened to callers’ struggles, helped them cope, and connected them with public services if necessary, such as next-day counseling appointments, financial assistance resources, or a safe place to sleep. Callers’ struggles ranged from daily emotional coping to active suicidal crisis.
Trainer
I contributed to panel discussions and Q&As for volunteers-in-training, led small group discussions and call debriefs, and participated in role-plays with trainees for them to gain experience on mock calls.
Mentor
I welcomed trainees to sit in on my volunteer Phone Worker shifts, listen in directly to my conversations with callers, and ask me any questions about the call. I was also paired with new volunteers on their first phone worker shifts, where I would listen to their calls and remain available for debriefs.