Volunteer Crisis Supporter - Lifeline

This role is advertised by Volunteer West, the volunteer resource centre of Australian Multicultural Community Services on behalf of Lifeline Western Melbourne

Please note: This volunteer role is based in Melbourne’s western suburbs and is most suitable for people who live nearby or can easily travel to St Albans.

Organisation description: Lifeline Direct (LLD) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lifeline Australia, delivering the suite of Lifeline's services across ten geographical regions in both NSW, Victoria and NT.

Our mission: To support people in our communities to seek help in a way, a time and at a place that works for them. Lifeline supports the community and people experiencing difficulty through accessible crisis support, counselling, education, community capacity building and referral services.

Position Description:

As a Crisis Supporter you will take calls and use the Care framework to provide short term crisis support to people who are experiencing a crisis.

This is a deeply rewarding and skilled volunteer opportunity that requires extensive training and a commitment to regular shifts. This preparation ensures you are confident, skilled, and fully equipped to provide critical support when it matters most.

No prior experience is necessary to volunteer as Lifeline Western Melbourne will provide all the specialised training you will need in the role. The only attributes you will need are:

• Good listening skills
• Empathy, compassion & commitment
• A desire to make a positive difference.
• Basic computer skills with access to the internet

Training Commitment: To become a Lifeline Accredited Crisis Supporter you must successfully complete 3 stages of training

Stage 1: The initial Crisis Support Worker Training (CSWT) covers ten topics, delivered over 7 – 12 weeks, depending on the training group selected.

Completion of the Crisis Support Worker Training (CSWT) is a requirement to become an Accredited Crisis Supporter Volunteer. Attendance is mandatory at all training days to successfully complete program.

Lifeline Direct Centres deliver the accredited training CHCSS00113 Crisis Support Skill Set on behalf of Lifeline Australia RTO 88036, and the CSWT includes the three Units of Competency listed below:

• CHCCCS003 Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide
• CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
• CHCCCS028 Provide client-centred support to people in crisis

Stage 2: Requires at least 16 phone hours of placement over a 2-month period

Stage 3: Internship requires at least 56 phone hours over a 7-9-month period.

Please note that all Lifeline Direct crisis supporter training sessions, including those conducted remotely, must be attended from within Australia. Participants must be physically located in Australia for the duration of the training.

Training Cost:

Lifeline is an accredited Registered Training Organisation (RTO 88036) and charges a minimal training fee (which is primarily subsidised) to help cover the significant costs of instructor time, materials, and accreditation. This allows us to provide quality training while keeping it accessible for volunteers who play a crucial role in supporting our service. The cost to enrol in Stage 1 - Crisis Supporter Worker Training is $550.

• A $175 non-refundable deposit is due upon confirming your preferred training group.
• The remaining $375 must be paid before the commencement of Topic 5 in the training program.

Volunteer Commitment:

• Ongoing, a minimum commitment of 4 hours per fortnight is required for volunteer shifts.
• 2-year commitment as a volunteer.

It is a requirement that volunteers contribution towards training costs

The nationally recognised crisis supporter training is delivered on behalf of Lifeline Australia RTO 88036

Other Requirements

A Police Check and Working With Children Check are required for the role, these must be covered at your own cost