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.
To Apply
Applications are open now, and the deadline to submit is May 28th, 2025. Prospective volunteers must be 21+ at the time of application and full acceptance is conditional pending an SPD background check.
- Click here to open the VST Volunteer Application.
- Please read the instructions carefully before you begin.
- Ensure everything is fully complete before submitting. You will receive an automated confirmation message.
- All applications will be screened. Applicants selected to move forward will be contacted to schedule a virtual interview. Due to volume, applications that do not progress will not be contacted.
- Upon request, applicants who are not selected can receive information for other community-based volunteer programs.
- For questions you can contact the Victim Support Team Supervisor at Kaylee.DiMaggio@seattle.gov.
Upcoming Information Sessions
Each year VST staff host virtual information sessions during the active recruitment season. All prospective volunteers are asked to sign up and attend to learn more about the program. Click here to select and sign up for an upcoming virtual information session.
Session Dates & Times:
- Thursday May 1st, 12:00pm-12:45pm
- Monday May 5th, 12:00pm-12:45pm
- Wednesday May 7th, 12:00pm-12:45pm
- Thursday May 8th, 2:00pm-2:45pm
- Tuesday May 13th, 9:00am-9:45am
- Monday May 19th, 12:00pm-12:45pm & 5:00pm-5:45pm
- Thursday May 22nd, 9:00am-9:45pm
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 is an intensive process and requires investment to the fullest. 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.