National Sexual Assault Hotline (NSAH) Volunteer

Department: Victim Services

Position: National Sexual Assault Hotline (NSAH) Volunteer

FLSA Status: Not Specified (Not Applicable)

About RAINN

Since 1994, RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) has helped millions of people affected by sexual violence and we're just getting started. As the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization and operator of the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE), we lead the fight against sexual violence by expanding prevention, ensuring justice, and providing healing to create safer communities.

Our mission is to stop sexual violence by supporting survivors, holding perpetrators accountable, and creating safer communities and we do it through three pillars:

Prevention — Educating the public and inspiring action through media, entertainment, and direct outreach

Justice — Leading bipartisan policy campaigns and working to hold every offender accountable

Healing — Providing free, confidential, 24/7 support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline, Safe Helpline, and other programs

Volunteers are at the heart of this work. By joining RAINN, you become part of a movement that has answered millions of calls, shaped national policy, and given hope to survivors across the country.

If you or someone you know needs support, free and confidential help is available 24/7: call 800.656.HOPE (4673), chat at rainn.org, or text HOPE to 64673.

Position Summary

The National Sexual Assault Hotline (NSAH), operated by RAINN, provides live, secure, anonymous crisis support to the growing number of people who prefer communicating online through a simple instant message format, giving those affected by sexual assault a safe place to receive support.

NSAH volunteers are responsible for providing high-quality services to users of the National Sexual Assault Hotline, including but not limited to survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones. Volunteers also receive extensive and ongoing crisis-intervention training as well as professional development and coaching opportunities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Utilize crisis intervention best practices including safety planning, brainstorming, and listening skills to provide compassionate support to hotline users.
• Complete regular training on serving NSAH users.
• Answer inbound crisis-intervention online chats to NSAH users.
• Support NSAH users and provide accurate referral services.
• Maintain knowledge and adhere to RAINN's and NSAH's policies and protocols.
• Assist with NSAH specific data collection by completing session assessments during each shift.
• Attend and participate in any additional training for all NSAH volunteers.

Qualification Requirements

• Tech-savvy with experience using instant messaging and digital communication platforms.
• Ability to convey empathy over instant messaging.

• Ability to type at least 35 words per minute.

• Ability to work well under pressure and maintain composure during stressful situations; ability to handle shifting and multiple priorities.

• Ability to solve problems and deal with a wide range of situations.

• Ability to interpret a variety of written instructions.

• Ability to exercise good judgment when faced with complex decisions.

• Ability to receive and implement feedback.

• Resiliently positive and energetic attitude, with the ability to successfully work on a team and independently.

• Willingness to work a non-traditional schedule, including evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 1-year of professional experience in one or more of the following:
  • Working with vulnerable populations and/or survivors of sexual violence.
  • Working in human resources, social services, or customer service.
  • Crisis hotline/intervention experience (volunteer or paid position).
• Experience using an online learning platform.
• Both literate and fluent in Spanish writing and grammar skills.
  • Ability to pass a proficiency test given during the application process.

Evaluation

• Volunteers receive real-time positive and constructive feedback from NSAH Staffers who supervise their interactions with hotline visitors.
• Volunteers have the opportunity to schedule check-ins sessions with the volunteer management team as often as needed for chat debriefs or skill development.
• Volunteers occasionally receive positive feedback from hotline visitors.

Time Commitment

• All volunteers are asked to commit to a set-shift on the hotline. This shift is chosen from a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly upon review of the candidate’s application.
• At least one year or 500 hours of volunteer service.

Training Information

Individuals who are approved will start an estimate of 50 hours of online training:

• Complete and pass a 40-hour-long online training.
• Attend and participate in 4 online, live-facilitated sessions, totaling 13 hours.
• Complete a minimum of two shadowing sessions.
• Complete practice simulations as assigned throughout training.
• Complete transcripts or supervised sessions as final evaluation step by the clinical team.

Benefits

• Volunteers who complete all required training are eligible for the National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP). Application costs not covered.
• Receive ongoing support and appreciation opportunities from the NSAH volunteer management team, including access to office hours and chat debrief sessions.
• Provide much-needed support to survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones.
• Receive extensive, ongoing, and up-to-date crisis intervention training; facilitated by RAINN professionals and completely free of charge.
• Interact with experts in the field, an array of staff members, and other volunteers nationwide.
• Work from the comfort of their own home.
• Develop and continuously practice active listening skills.
• Access to RAINN’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional support and counseling referrals.

To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of submission, possess a valid U.S. Social Security Number (SSN), and reside within the continental United States (excluding Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories). Upon approval for training, all onboarding volunteers must successfully pass a criminal background check, which is provided free of charge by RAINN.