Active Listener for Crisis CallsAt — Community Helpline
Community Helpline trains high school, college, and community members in active listening to become crisis listener volunteers and interns for the helpline. The program involves rigorous, comprehensive training held in the South Bay area of Los Angeles during the summer, fall, or spring. This includes a four-week, in-person Group Training (twice a week, 5:00-7:30 PM), featuring presentations and role-playing to teach reflective, nonjudgmental listening and caller empowerment. This is followed by a one-month Individual Mentorship phase, where listeners complete 5-9 shifts under the guidance of experienced mentors before taking calls independently. Applicants must be age 16 or older, proficient in English, and clear a background check. Volunteers commit to 1-2 shifts weekly for 6-12 months, while Interns commit to 3-4 shifts weekly for 5-9 months. The goal is to equip listeners with the confidence and skills to provide compassionate support.
Active listening, compassion, empathy, mental health diagnosis, mental health support and resources, identifying a crisis, and intervention.
Phase 1: Group Training (4 Weeks, In-Person):
This intensive four-week in-person training takes place twice a week. Each session is divided into two parts:
- Presentations and Lectures: Gain valuable insights from guest speakers and experts in relevant fields. These sessions cover foundational knowledge and best practices crucial for helpline work.
- Small Group Role-Playing: Apply your learning in practical, supportive small group settings. Through facilitated role-play exercises, you'll develop your communication and active listening skills in a safe environment.
Phase 2: Individual Mentorship & Shadowing (Approximately 1 Month)
Upon successful completion of the group training, you'll transition to individualized mentorship. Over approximately one month, you'll complete 5 to 9 shifts in the office, with each shift lasting three hours. During this phase, you'll be paired with experienced helpline listeners who will provide one-on-one guidance, support, and feedback as you prepare to take calls independently. This is a crucial step in building your confidence and refining your skills. For the first week following the group training, you must provide availability for a minimum of three days to ensure a smooth transition into the mentorship phase.
Students first apply with a resume and a short essay. Once the documents are received, the student is contacted for an interview.
| Hours | Duration |
|---|---|
| 12 | hours per week |