It is possible to help people in need by becoming a Crisis Text Line Crisis Counselor.You can get volunteer hours and build your resume.If you are a crisis counselor, you will help people who are going through a difficult time and may be a life saver for someone who is in a dark place.If you want to become a crisis counselor, you need to volunteer and complete your training.You can begin your work as a volunteer when you sign up for shifts on the Crisis Text Line platform.
Step 1: You need to meet the requirements to be a counselor.
If you want to help others, you can become a Crisis Text Line Crisis Counselor.To be a volunteer, you have to make sure that those in crisis get the help they need.Before you sign up, make sure you fit the requirements.If you are in the U.S., you must have a social security number.You need to submit 2 references.You need to have access to a reliable computer.
Step 2: You can sign up for the Crisis Text Line.
Once you are accepted as a volunteer, the Crisis Text Line offers you training.They have a website where you can learn more about the service and sign up to be a crisis counselor.You can begin your training from there.The website can be accessed here.
Step 3: You can access an application by clicking on the volunteer button.
The Crisis Text Line website has a menu bar at the top of the page.You can open the page for volunteering by selecting "volunteer".You will see more information about volunteering, as well as a button to start.To open the application, click on "get started".You can easily access the volunteer page at crisistextline.org.
Step 4: The application is required to become a Crisis Text Line volunteer.
Your name, email, phone number, birthday, and password will be entered.The application can be submitted to the Crisis Text Line.They will collect more information to complete the application process.
Step 5: A background check requires consent.
You have to do a background check before you can volunteer.It helps them make sure volunteers don't have a history that could disqualify them from being a counselor.Allow the organization to check your background.If you don't have a criminal history, you can work as a Crisis Counselor.
Step 6: The Crisis Counselor training course is 30 hours long.
You will participate in a training cohort when training courses start every 2 weeks.Crisis Text Line will get you in a training cohort as quickly as possible.From your computer, do your training at your own pace.You can either do a 6-week course or a 15-day course.The same material is presented in both courses.You will most likely be matched with a coach who will guide you through training.They can answer any questions you have.
Step 7: As soon as you finish training, begin working as a crisis counselor.
You are eligible to work as a crisis counselor once you have completed your training.The platform is where you will take your first shift.You can sign up for the next available shift.When you say you will be, make sure you are on the site.A counselor may not be available to help people in crisis.
Step 8: On the Crisis Text Line platform, schedule and complete your shifts.
Shifts are usually scheduled in 2-hour blocks.You can sign up for shifts at the platform.You should put your shifts on your calendar.It is okay to work 2 shifts in a row.You should pay attention to your mental health.If you volunteer too long, you might get overwhelmed.It is not possible to work shifts that are less than 2 hours.
Step 9: During texts, keep your personal life to yourself.
Keeping the conversation focused on the person in crisis is important.Do not include your personal life, politics, religion, or other beliefs in the chat.You could be dismissed as a volunteer if you do.Remember, what works for you won't help someone else.If you want to help the people who text the crisis line, rely on your training.
Step 10: Help people in crisis for at least 4 hours a week.
Volunteers are expected to give at least four hours of their time on the platform each week.Track your time so you can meet your goal.If you can give more time, you will be able to help more people.To reach your weekly goal, complete at least 2 2-hour shifts each week.You might get overwhelmed if you volunteer more than 12 hours a week.
Step 11: Between 10:00 and 11:00 pm, you can volunteer.
Demand for the Crisis Text Line increases in the late hours while you can volunteer at any time of the day.Many people are not able to get through the night.You can help people in need by volunteering during these hours.At other times of the day, the Crisis Text Line can still use your help.If you give your time at night, you might see more people in need of your help.