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Volunteer Sexual Assault Response Team (VSART)

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering with the SAS program and CVTS offers volunteers a chance to help make a difference for survivors of sexualized violence in our community.

Job Summary

VSART’s primary role is to support survivors of sexual violence at the North Island Hospital Comox Valley. VSART volunteers may also be asked to promote awareness at community events and/or support at fundraising events.

Volunteering with the SAS program and Comox Valley Transition Society offers volunteers a chance to help make a difference for survivors of sexualized violence in our community. Studies have shown that the sooner a survivor receives authentic and healthy support/connection after a traumatic event, the more likely they are to have a more successful healing journey. VSART volunteers participate in supporting survivors of sexualized violence during some of their darkest days. Working with survivors can be heart breaking and stressful but also rewarding and inspiring.

Job Details

STATUS: On-Call
CLASSIFICATION: Volunteer Sexual Assault Support Worker
WORK AREA: Sexual Assault Services – Lilli House/Main Office
EFFECTIVE DATE: Training begins summer 2024
COMMITMENT: Bi-monthly commitment
SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday: 5:00 pm-10:00 pm or Saturday/Sunday: 8:00am-10:00 pm
SALARY: Volunteer stipend for callouts

Download Volunteer Job Description

Eligibility

  • Volunteers must be 19 years or older.
  • Criminal Justice System, social services, and/or medical experience are
    preferred.
  • Valid Level I First Aid Certificate including CPR.
  • Valid BC driver's license.
  • Experience working in community settings.
  • Volunteers must have a minimum of 2 years sobriety (for those in recovery).
  • Volunteers who have used specialized CVTS programs within the last 2 years
    may be ineligible.
  • A Criminal Record Check for Vulnerable Sector must be completed.
  • Volunteer must not have used violence, sexual violence, or stalked another
    individual.
  • Volunteer must not have a personal relationship with a SAS client.

Engagement requirements for volunteers

  1. Meet survivors or Forensic Nurse at the hospital for physical exams or Sexual Assault Nurse Exam (SANE).
  2. This may include being inside the exam room with the survivor during the exam upon the survivor's request.
  3. Provide immediate emotional support for survivors of recent sexual assault (within the last 7 days). Support may be provided to people of all genders, ages 13yrs+, and ages 0-13yrs who are accompanied by a caregiver or guardian.
  4. Provide information on options that are available for survivors of sexual assault including systems and services.
  5. Volunteer must be able to attend at the hospital within 20-40 minutes when on call.
  6. Be available for on-call shifts in the Comox Valley for one full week and one full weekend bimonthly.
  7. On-call shifts:
    Monday – Friday: 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Evenings)
    Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm (14/hr)
  8. Commitment for one whole year
  9. Training commitment of 30 hours over 8 weeks.

Please Apply

Please apply by emailing the SAS Coordinator at SAS@cvts.ca, or through the VSART Application form below.

Thank you – Sexual Assault Services Coordinator

Email SAS Coordinator