Crisis Line Responder

If you’ve been looking for a meaningful way to contribute to the community while gaining experience that will help you grow personally and professionally, apply to become a Crisis Line Responder! With training, ongoing support, and a flexible shift schedule, you’ll be empowered to make a difference and save the lives of others.


You’re a fit for this volunteer role if you are 19 years and older, want to learn and practice your listening and helping skills, and are caring and empathetic.


What you will do:
-Answer calls and texts at our confidential location (hybrid and remote options available)
-Offer short term emotional support to service users
-Empower individuals to explore their options and make their own decisions to resolve their problems
-Provide resources and information when appropriate
-Assess for risk and engage emergency crisis intervention when necessary

Essential Qualities:
-Ability to maintain confidentiality
-Accepting, non-judgmental, caring, empathetic and respectful attitude
-Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
-Excellent oral and written communication skills
-Comfortable discussing sensitive topics such as suicide and self-harm

Commitment:
-Completion of crisis line training in full
-Commitment of 20 hours per month of solo work for a minimum of 6 months 
-Shifts are 4 hours in length
-Shift times are flexible and scheduled by volunteers, but two of the five shifts must be completed during the overnight hours to maintain 24/7 coverage of the crisis line service
-If you continue past 6 months, hours of involvement may be reduced if desired to a minimum of 12 hours per month in order to stay actively involved (three 4 hour shifts)
-Report to Crisis Line Coordinator

Types of Interactions to Expect:
-Mental health, social isolation, addiction, family and relationship issues, grief, health concerns, abuse, sexuality, legal, financial, transportation, shelter, emergency services, youth and senior issues, suicide and more.
-The risk level of calls and texts can range from someone who is socially isolated/lonely who would benefit from supportive listening, to others in which the service user’s despair has escalated to the point that life-saving interventions are required.

What you will get back:
-Supporting your community
-Making a difference in people’s lives
-Gain valuable experience for work or graduate school
-Learn and practice a variety of communication and interpersonal skills
-Gain a greater understanding of human behavior and applied psychology

Our next training cohort begins in May 2026. Applications will open February 9th, 2026 and be accepted until 11:59pm PST April 13th, 2026. Expressions of interest are always welcome.