National Helpline Volunteers

The national Crime Victims Helpline, freephone 116 006, is a listening and support service for victims of crime in Ireland. Our aim is to support, inform and empower victims and all those impacted by crime. We provide time and space for victims to talk about their experiences. We also provide information about the criminal justice system and referrals to victim support services in the community.

What's Involved

The Crime Victims Helpline is currently recruiting for our Autumn Volunteer Training Programme, 2024.

We are seeking friendly, reliable people to provide telephone support to our Helpline callers for 3-hours approx. a week, Monday to Friday 10.00am to 7.30pm. Volunteers answer the helpline from the CVH Office in Dublin 2 as well as remotely (dependent upon training, experience and technology). Remote volunteering, requires a good internet connection, either through a laptop or a PC, and a private space is also required.

Volunteers must be warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental. You must also be comfortable providing information and exploring options with callers without telling them what to do. We welcome volunteers from all walks of life and value diversity. Due to the nature of the work, fluent English is a must and basic IT skills required. Volunteers must be living in Ireland and over 18 years of age.

A minimum one-year commitment is required on completion of the extensive training provided. All volunteers are subject to Garda vetting and reference checks.

Next Steps

1. Application forms available online, www.crimevictimshelpline.ie/volunteer if you have any queries you can ring us on 01 408 6116. Closing date for application is Friday 27th September, 2024.
    
2. Interview – Once we receive your completed application, you will be contacted to arrange an online interview. Shortly afterwards we will notify you whether you have been selected for training.
    
3. Training – You will receive extensive training on active listening skills; the criminal justice system; crime victims’ rights; and resources that are available in the community for victims of crime. There are two initial training days listed below and then further training provided.
   
   Initial Training takes place in two modules:
   Module 1: Saturday, 5th October, 10.00am to 4.00pm
   Module 2: Saturday, 12th October, 10.00am to 4.00pm
   
   You are required to complete the two full days of training, if you are not available to take part in both days, please do not submit an application.
   
   Training is offered remotely; all participants are expected to attend online with cameras on and fully engage throughout the training days.
    
4. Observations – If invited to progress to the next step of training, you will shadow a staff member on the Helpline. This will allow you the opportunity to avail of more in-depth training, ask questions, familiarise yourself with the technology and record-keeping process and confirm whether you are comfortable with the requirements of the role. (4 x 2hour sessions approx.) This training can be done in the office or remotely.
    
5. Supervised Helpline Calls – When you are ready, you will begin to take Helpline calls. You will be supervised during this stage so that we can provide you with support and guidance after each call. This training can be done in the office or remotely.
    
6. Once steps one through five are satisfactorily completed and it is mutually agreed that the role is a good fit, you will be offered a regular volunteer slot on the Helpline.