Incoming and Outgoing Telephone Support Services
(Spectra Community Support Services)
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Position ID: 539 Last Modified: 17 Jan 2013 Last Full Update: 17 Jan 2013
Opportunity Details
Duties of RoleSpectra Community Support Services is a non-profit telephone support service providing free, non-judgmental, caring and confidential telephone support services in English, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin Portuguese and French for the diverse population of Peel Region  
 
The role of this volunteer opportunity is to actively listen without judgment to people in our community who call in on our Distress Lines or to clients that we call out to in our Seniors Telecheck program or our Reassurance Program
Benefit(s) to the Volunteer- Excellent way to augment a university or college education with practical experience  
- Develop a stronger sense of belonging and giving back to the community  
- Opportunity to take develop practical skills and knowledge through our extensive training program  
- Develop active listening skills and communication skills  
- Great references after completion of mandatory 144 hours of volunteer service  
- Personal growth that comes through learning to deal with sensitive/difficult issues on the telephone lines  
- Learning more about yourself and your ability to work with people and to handle stressful situations  
- Learn about suicide and crisis intervention skills  
- Develop a greater understanding of mental health issues
Hours Awarded to StudentsNo
Ages21 year(s) and up
Police CheckRequired
Skills/ExperienceGood listener, non-judgmental, appreciation and acceptance of diversity, compassionate, ability to accept and value every person  
Interest and/or understanding of mental health issues.  
 
We offer services in English, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Portuguese and French; therefore an ability to speak any of these languages proficiently would be an asset.
Qualifications/Certification- 3 character references need to be provided  
- Police Reference Check (to be completed after acceptance)  
- Interest and/or understanding of mental health issues
Length of CommitmentLong Term (more than 6 months) - One year or 144 hours is required for this role ; The commitment for this volunteer opportunity is a commitment of 144 hours after training is completed
Minimum Hours144 (Total)
LocationLocation is confidential until training is completed (map to Business Office location given below)
Link to Mapbinged.it/V30Mej
Accessibility (AODA)Not Accessible - Not wheelchair accessible ; Wheelchair accessible for volunteers
TransportationMust Provide Own Transportation ; On Bus Route
Main ContactDeb Wach, Volunteer Coordinator, Spectra Community Support Services; Phone: 905-459-8439 ext 2; Fax: 905-459-3955; Email: volprogram@spectrasupport.org
Social Media LinksFacebook Facebook: www.facebook.com/SpectraSupport
Twitter Twitter: www.twitter.com/SpectraSupport
Website Website: www.spectrasupport.org
Start DateOn or after 16 Jan 2013
End Date31 Dec 2013
Dates and TimesMonday: Morning, Afternoon, Evening 
Tuesday: Morning, Afternoon, Evening 
Wednesday: Morning, Afternoon, Evening 
Thursday: Morning, Afternoon, Evening 
Friday: Morning, Afternoon, Evening 
Saturday: Morning, Afternoon, Evening 
Sunday: Morning, Afternoon, Evening 
 
Spectra Support Services has telephone services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
SeasonsYear-round
Number of Volunteers Req'dBrampton: 15 individual(s) 
 
15 individual(s) needed in total.
TrainingOrientation ; Scheduled training ; Training on-going ; Spectra Community Support Services provides an intensive training program.  
Training includes but is not limited to the following topics:  
 
1. Orientation to Agency  
2. Active Listening Skills  
3. Mental Health Issues  
4. Crisis and Suicide  
5. Exploration of Values  
6. Aging Issues  
7. Postpartum Issues  
8. Sexuality  
9. Abuse  
10. Diversity
Interaction LevelOne-on-one
Areas of InterestAbuse Support ; Bereavement ; Call Centre ; Children/Youth (Work with) ; Companion/Friend ; Counselling/Information Support ; Education (General Help) ; Health/Substance Abuse (General Help) ; Immigrants/Newcomers (Work with) ; Individuals With Challenges ; Newcomer Assistance ; Parenting Support ; Rehabilitation ; Seniors (Work with) ; Sexual Assault ; Substance Abuse Prevention/Treatment ; Therapy
Suitable ForYoung Adult (19 to 24) ; Adult (24+)
CommentsThis role is suitable for anyone 21 years of age and older who has a desire to provide listening and caring support to people in the community.
Agency Details
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Organization NameSpectra Community Support Services
Mailing Addressc/o Executive Director 
Business Office 
7700 Hurontario Street N, Unit 402 
Brampton, ON L6Y 4M3
Office Phone905-459-8439 
Fax905-459-3955
E-Mailinfo@spectrasupport.org
Websitewww.spectrasupport.org