VST Volunteer Opportunity

VST volunteers offer support to survivors in a unique time of need, and their commitment and impact make this program a vital part of the City's response to violence.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Human Services Department's Victim Support Team (VST)! VST has a competitive selection process, both due to capacity and the unique and sensitive nature of the services we provide.

VST Training Academy

The academy is run as a cohort, where new volunteers are trained on an extensive range of topics. The 50 hours of learning provide the foundational knowledge necessary to support families in crisis and achieve a clear understanding of the VST scope.

The Fall of 2025 Academy format is Saturdays & Sundays, every other week, for a total of three weekends in September & October.  Reading assignments and eLearning prep work will begin in August in preparation for the intensive classroom sessions.

Testimonials from VST Academy Graduates: 

"This is probably the best learning experience I have had as an adult. This program has filled my heart in a way that I did not expect and has reinforced why this program is so important." 

"This program has been exceptional! I have been involved with many organizations over the years and by far, this one was the most comprehensive and well organized." 

Volunteering with VST

VST Volunteers can come from anywhere in the community... they do not need to have a background in social work or counseling. They are teachers, engineers, nurses, survivors, students, homemakers, retirees and beyond. What our team shares is that they each care deeply about making a difference in their community.

Benefits of volunteering with VST: 

• Make an important impact - provide compassionate and non-judgmental support to survivors of violence and their loved ones
• Receive free extensive training and ongoing mentorship/support to continually cultivate advocacy skills and knowledge
• Interact with experts in the field of victim advocacy and an array of staff members and other volunteers
• Build connections, community, and relationships

How will I know if this is the right time for me to volunteer with VST?

• The application, onboarding, and training to join the team are an intensive process. We ask for a commitment of 8 hours per month for at least one year, beginning at the completion of all training and backgrounding. It's important to consider if this current season of your life will allow the time and space for this volunteer position.
• It has been at least 1 year since you became personally connected to the issue of sexual or domestic violence. Additionally, if you identify as a survivor, you have processed your experience through counseling or another method and you do not feel a sense of crisis in your daily life.
• You have a strong support system in place and can identify those who would be supportive of your volunteer experience. 

If you are unsure about volunteering, attend an information session and make your decision with the support of staff who can answer your questions. 

Applications Closed for 2025

Applications for the 2025 volunteer cohort are now closed. Prospective volunteers must be 21+ at the time of application and full acceptance is conditional pending an SPD background check.

Volunteer Information Sessions

Future sessions will be posted during active recruitment seasons.