What training is required to volunteer with DVSAS?
The Advocate Core Training (ACT) is required if you are hoping to work directly with clients. ACT is a total of 53 hours and takes about 4 weeks to complete. There are also an orientation session, and training shifts.
All training sessions are required to work directly with clients and make up sessions are not available so it is important that you are available to commit to the entire training. If you’re interested in volunteering with DVSAS behind the scenes, we have many opportunities with shorter and more flexible training.
How often do you offer training?
ACT generally happens three times a year, in April, July, and October. Community Outreach, Children’s Program, and Office Support trainings are offered as needed.
What if the next training is several months away?
You can apply online at our website any time and we will contact you about 4-6 weeks before training begins to schedule an interview. In the meantime, please consider one of our other volunteer opportunities and sign up for emails at www.dvsas.org.
How do I know if volunteering will fit in my schedule?
Violence doesn’t have a schedule, so DVSAS is there 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Shifts run 24-hours a day every day of the year and we provide the flexibility to work around any schedule. We ask that volunteers who go through ACT make a commitment to stay with us for a minimum of one year. We understand that a commitment like that won’t fit everyone’s schedule.
Please consider looking into other volunteer opportunities at www.dvsas.org that have shorter training and time commitments.
We want everyone who wants to volunteer with DVSAS be able to do so whether it’s once a week, once a month, or for a one time event.
how often can I volunteer?
It is up to you to determine how much time you want to commit, but volunteer advocacy counselors (those who go through ACT) are asked to take at least 4 shifts per month. Shifts range from 4 hour in-office shifts to 12 hour on-call shifts.
what kinds of qualifications do I need?
To volunteer with DVSAS you should have a commitment to ending domestic violence and sexual assault and be comfortable working with people of varying socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual orientations, mental health backgrounds, and racial diversity. We also ask that potential volunteers be able to attend training, pass a criminal background check, and reference check. For specific qualifications please see each volunteer description.
Do you offer any internships?
Yes! See Employment Opportunities for current openings. Please note that all direct service internships require going through ACT.
What will I do as a volunteer?
We have six different areas to volunteer in:
- Advocacy Counseling
- Children’s Program
- Court Support
- Criminal Justice Advocacy
- Office Support
- Safe Shelter Program
Please see “Volunteer Descriptions” to get a better understanding of each volunteer area.
