Screening Process

Screening

Because of the nature of our services, we screen all prospective volunteers thoroughly.

1. All volunteers will be asked to provide an up-to-date Police Records Check; we will help you get the forms submitted as part of the screening process.
2. All prospective volunteers must complete the online application forms including all reference information.  Please, take your time and complete these forms as thoroughly as possible. These forms are developed to help both you and the agency determine appropriate additions to the volunteer team. It is an opportunity for you and the program coordinator to explore interests and aptitudes related to the volunteer position.
3. Once your application and references are recieved, they are reviewed by the program coordinator to determine suitability.  At this time an interview is scheduled if the candidate is suitable based on their application.
4. After your interview, if both you and the program coordinator feel there is a good fit, you will be given the details of our scheduled volunteer training schedule.

Training

1. Distress Line Volunteers complete 32-hours of in-class training, followed by 8-16 hours of mentoring on the lines with experienced volunteers. TeleCheck volunteers complete a 10-12 hour training program, followed by several mentoring shifts with experienced volunteers.
2. Upon completion of our extensive training program, both the program coordinator and the individual will make a decision about whether the volunteer role is appropriate.  At the end of the in-class training, a further orientation session will be offered to the participants who express the desire to volunteer with the agency. We ask that the participants make a clear and thoughtful decision at this point in the process. A volunteer must be able to make the basic commitment to one year of service on the volunteer team, with a minimum of 4 hours per week on the phone lines.
3. Community Torchlight's policy states that we cannot provide references until the volunteer has completed his/her one-year shift commitment. After that time we will be happy to provide letters of recommendation whenever needed.