CARE

CARE Counselors

Make a difference in your community by becoming a crisis line volunteer and joining our CARE Counselor Team.

The Process

Lumina Alliance is dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence on the Central Coast. Our committed, inspiring crisis line volunteers are the backbone of our work. As a CARE Counselor, you will have the opportunity to directly assist survivors and loved ones affected by sexual assault, sexual abuse, and intimate partner violence.

  • Join us for a volunteer information session (scheduled periodically) 
  • Assess your readiness
  • Submit the volunteer application
  • Participate in an interview with Lumina Alliance staff
  • Complete background and reference checks
  • Complete CARE Counselor training- a 65-Hour training program, hosted over 8 weeks, to become a state-certified domestic violence and rape crisis counselor
Apply for
The Next Training Session

After reviewing the applications, the Training Manager will interview folks to learn more about their experiences and motivations and answer any questions they may have. There is limited space for each training, so apply early & provide plenty of information. All volunteers with Lumina Alliance are thoroughly screened and fingerprinted after acceptance into the program.

What Do CARE CounselorsDo?

CARE Counselors primarily help to staff our 24-hour crisis and information hotline, which includes the following responsibilities:

  • Crisis Support: Provide information, support & advocacy to survivors & loved ones on our after-hours hotline. Counselors start by believing survivors who call and empower them to make decisions based on their situation.
  • Accompaniments: Accompany survivors to law enforcement interviews & medical forensic exams.
  • Advocacy: Interact with partner agencies to advocate for survivors and their loved ones.
  • Emergency Shelter: Intake and transport clients into our emergency shelters, orienting them and providing support along the way.
  • Community Outreach: Staff information tables at community health fairs, farmer’s markets, and other events. 

CARE Training

  • Crisis Support: Provide information, support & advocacy to survivors & loved ones on our after-hours hotline. Counselors start by believing survivors who call and empower them to make decisions based on their situation.
  • Accompaniments: Accompany survivors to law enforcement interviews & medical forensic exams.
  • Advocacy: Interact with partner agencies to advocate for survivors and their loved ones.

 

  • Emergency Shelter: Intake and transport clients into our emergency shelters, orienting them and providing support along the way.
  • Community Outreach: Staff information tables at community health fairs, farmer’s markets, and other events. 

Sample Training Schedule

Sample Training Schedule

Qualifications to participate in training:

  • 18 Years or Older.
  • Have a Social Security Number.
  • Pass a Live Scan background check.
  • Be willing to serve as a crisis counselor for a minimum 1-year term, taking at least three shifts per month.
  • Be patient, empathetic, and sensitive to clients’ diverse needs and backgrounds.
  • Have the ability (or willingness to learn) to communicate effectively with people in crisis and remain calm during crisis situations.
  • Must maintain complete client & shelter location confidentiality.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) language capabilities are preferred but not required.

Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Assault are welcome to serve as a CARE Counselor, but they must be emotionally ready to assist other survivors. As the training and work can be triggering, we encourage abundant self-awareness, self-care, and a significant amount of healing before enrolling in the class. We ask that at least a year has passed between volunteering and receiving services from Lumina Alliance or similar agencies.

Please email the Volunteer Training Manager at [email protected] for more information.

Lumina Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, religion, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We strive to offer inclusive, accessible and accommodating services to everyone in our community by centering & amplifying marginalized voices & experiences within the movement.

 

Why I Volunteer