Volunteer
 Opportunities

EARVSS provides court support, navigation, and referral services to victims of crime and tragedy across Eastern Alberta. We rely on compassionate volunteers to help us do this work — as an Advocate supporting someone through the court process, or as a Board Member helping guide the organization. No experience required; we provide all training.

Volunteer

*This position requires a minimum 2-year commitment

Volunteers provide non-judgmental, practical, and emotional assistance, offering information, support, and referrals to people navigating loss and tragic circumstances. If this sounds like a good fit for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

Provide non-judgmental, emotional, and practical short-term support through community referrals to victims following the report of a crime or trauma. Volunteers are required to attend local detachment, a victim's home, hospital or other location depending upon safety assessment if requested by the victim. Skills and duties include active and supportive listening, assessing immediate needs, waiting with a victim for family or the coroner to arrive, locating vacant shelter space and others as listed in policy. Commitment of 4-12 hour shifts a month.

As a Crisis Call Volunteer, you are also signing up for community events and to provide Court Support when needed.

Volunteers will assist in representing EARVSS in community events. Volunteers are expected to be knowledgeable in EARVSS SOPs/ethics/practices as well as Victim's issues. This is an opportunity to raise awareness for victim's services, connect with the community, and recruit new Volunteers. Commitment of 2 events per year.

Volunteers will assist Navigators and clients, when language is a barrier, with simultaneous translation of information, allowing clients to understand which resources are available in the community as well as their rights and responsibilities as victims of a crime. Some daytime availability is required.

Volunteer Application
Training we provide

All required training is provided and no prior experience needed. Our training program covers the following topics:

  • Victimization
  • Domestic Violence
  • Elder Abuse
  • Sexual Assault
  • Robbery
  • Property Crimes
  • Stalking & Harassment
  • Sudden Death
  • Bias Crimes
  • Assault
  • Suicide Prevention & Intervention
  • Crisis Intervention & Communication Skills
  • Criminal Justice System
  • Court Orientation & Support Accompaniment
  • Legal Remedies for Victims
  • Restorative Justice
  • Restitution
  • Financial Assistance Program
Eligibility Requirement

Volunteer Advocates must pass and maintain an RCMP enhanced security clearance.

  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Be legally allowed to work in Canada
  • Pass a security clearance and vulnerable sector check
  • Be able to maintain strict confidentiality
  • Be able to handle stressful or unpredicatble situations
  • Attend monthly volunteer meetings and attent trainings
  • Show respect for all religions, ethnicities, and genders
  • Daytime availability for Language Support, daytime call outs and community events if interested
  • Be available for at least four 12-hour on-call shifts per month
  • Complete 20+ hours of online training 

Volunteer Board Member

EARVSS operates under the direction of a Board of Directors and is seeking additional members within the East Region. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to serve on a non-profit board and give back to your community, we’d welcome your application.

What You'll Do
  • Govern EARVSS’s operations through policy and procedure
  • Stay informed about the services and support EARVSS provides
  • Participate in events and activities held throughout the year
  • Support the organization’s overall direction and decision-making
  • Board Members are not directly involved in victims’ cases
Volunteer Board Member Application