Training for Volunteers

Some of the Mission's programs require volunteers to participate in formal training. These are detailed below. Other programs offer informal orientation and information sessions. (Go to the individual programs under Wesley Services to find out more.)

Lifeline Melbourne »
Wesley Kids Under Kanvas »

Lifeline

What skills do I need to become a volunteer telephone counsellor? »
What training is required? »
What commitment do I need to make? »
What will I gain? »
How much does it cost? »
How do I apply? »

Did you know?
Lifeline Melbourne operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

We receive about 100 calls per day

70% of calls are answered outside normal business hours

We ask counsellors to volunteer for at least 2 years following graduation

What skills do I need to become a volunteer telephone counsellor?
We are seeking applicants who have the potential to develop telephone counselling skills. You do not need counselling qualifications to apply. Our comprehensive training focuses specifically on the skills and knowledge that you will need.

Ideally, applicants should have:

• good interpersonal skills
• the capacity to understand and assist people from a range of backgrounds
• appropriate life experience
• the capacity to reflect on learnings from life experience
• respect for other people's views, values and beliefs
• good spoken English and a clear voice that is easily understood over the telephone

Did you know?
Professional supervisors work side-by-side with Lifeline Melbourne's volunteer counsellors, providing expert advice and personal support 24 hours a day.

What training is required?
Telephone crisis counselling is a demanding role, and carries many responsibilities. It is essential that Lifeline volunteers are thoroughly trained and prepared to handle challenging and sometimes distressing calls.

Basic Training Stage 1
Introduction to counselling policies and development of skills – 70 hours

• Evening program: 16 weeks on Thursdays from 7pm to 10pm plus two full Saturdays OR
• Day program: 11 weeks on Tuesdays from 9.30am to 3.30pm
• Plus:
• referral database training (2 hours)
• minimum of two supervised phone shifts (4 hours each)
• assessment telephone counselling session (1 hour)
• three practice sessions (1 hour each)
• attendance at ASIST (2 day Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training workshop)

Basic Training Stage 2
Accreditation – 4 months

Telephone counsellors are assigned to an Accreditation Supervisor and are required to:

• complete a set number of shifts
• attend four supervision groups
• demonstrate confident telephone counselling skills and familiarity with Lifeline policies

Graduates become regular members of the Lifeline Melbourne team.

Continuing Education
Volunteers are required to participate in at least four single-session programs per year. Some examples from last year:

• sexual assault
• anxiety
• dealing with drugs and alcohol
• problem gambling
• depression
• couples counselling
• solution focused therapy
• life threatening illness

What commitment do I need to make?
Volunteer telephone counsellors are required to commit to regular participation for at least two years following graduation.

As Lifeline is a 24 hour service, telephone counsellors must be willing to work unsociable hours, including public holidays and some overnight shifts. Around 70% of calls are received outside normal business hours.

That said, rosters are flexible and preferred times and other commitments will be accommodated where possible.

Phone Shifts
1st year of service

• 3 x 3 1/2 hour shifts per month
• 1 overnight shift (midnight to 6am) every 3 months

2nd year of service

• 2 x 3 1/2 hour shifts per month
• 1 overnight shift (midnight to 6am) every 4 months

3rd year of service and beyond

• 2 x 3 1/2 hour shifts per month
• no overnight shifts unless requested

What will I gain?
By becoming a volunteer telephone counsellor and giving to others you will gain:

• excellent training
• valuable skills of benefit in all areas of your personal and professional life
• strong support – you are never alone
• membership of a caring community – people of all ages and varying backgrounds who share the same commitment
• insight into wider community issues
• the reward of helping people to help themselves

How much does it cost?
$350, which is payable prior to the start of training.

How do I apply?

1.  Read the information about Lifeline Melbourne on this website.

2.  Complete and return an Application Form. Click here to submit by email, or click here to download a copy [PDF file | 161 KB (get PDF reader)].

3.  We will review your application and, if successful, you will participate in a Selection Group. This is where you have the opportunity to demonstrate the skills we're looking for in telephone counsellors. If selected, you will begin training.

Please note: Applications for Semester 1, 2008 close on Friday 31 August, 2007.
Any applications received after this date will be considered for Semester 2, 2008.

If you would like to learn about other volunteering opportunities at Wesley Mission Melbourne programs please click here »

Please contact Lifeline Melbourne if you have any queries:
Email: lifelineadmin@wesley.org.au
Phone: (03) 9666 1244

Click here to visit the Lifeline Australia website »

Wesley Kids Under Kanvas

About the Program »

Volunteer leaders can be involved in coordinating and leading a camp or outing, office administration, fundraising and catering.

Volunteer leaders are trained to provide the safest environment and supportive encouragement for the development of group skills and self confidence. Qualified professionals are engaged to facilitate specialist activities.

Register your interest
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, phone the Wesley Kids Under Kanvas office on (03) 9687 8264 for the dates of upcoming induction evenings, or click here to register your interest online.

Induction evening
New leaders attend an induction evening to find out about the history, philosophy and aims of the program, as well as the Mission.

Ongoing training
Volunteer leaders are also offered ongoing training throughout the year, including:

• Level 2 first aid
• Asthma management
• Behaviour management
• Team building
• Sign language

Accredited training
In addition, qualified trainers run specialised sessions, many of which are industry recognised/accredited.

Training camp
An annual Leaders Training Camp is held over a weekend at the end of July.