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Volunteer With Us

DEVELOP A NURTURING COMMUNITY WHERE SAFETY, SUPPORT AND EMPOWERMENT THRIVE.

The Southern Alberta Regional Victim Serving Society (SARVSS) provides a broad range of services under the Victims of Crime and Public Safety Act and Regulation, and in partnership with the Government of Alberta, the Alberta RCMP, specialized and community-based victim serving organizations, municipalities, and other local agencies.​ SARVSS assists victims of crime throughout the criminal justice process by providing the core services of information, support, and referrals. SARVSS also supports communities by providing resources and support to people undergoing loss and tragic circumstances.

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Volunteer Victim Advocate

We utilize a team of compassionate and dedicated Volunteer Victim Advocates to provide on-call after hours crisis response in partnership, and when called upon, by the RCMP. Works alongside the RCMP by offering immediate support in moments of crisis and trauma. We strive to empower and respect the rights and dignity of victims by ensuring provisions o support, information, and referrals to community resources that help reduce the adverse effects of crime and trauma.  

After Hours, OnCall Crisis Response

The role of the Volunteer Victim Advocate is to respond to a crisis (in partners) when called upon by the RCMP.  The role of Advocates when responding to a crisis call-out is to ensure the emotional and practical needs of a victim are met in a time of crisis. Providing these types of supports during critical moments can be crucial to the healthy recovery and forward movement of an individual who has been struck by crime or tragic circumstances.

Victims of Crime and Tragic Circumstances

As a Volunteer Victim Advocate you may be asked to provide support to victims involved in: family violence sudden death next of kin notifications assault homicide and more... Following an act of violence or a traumatic experience people can feel overwhelmed by shock and loss of control that their normal coping skills fail.   Volunteer Victim Advocates assist during the initial stage of crisis to meet this sense of urgency and offer information and resources for next steps.

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Enhanced Reliability Security Clearance

Volunteers are required to successfully achieve and maintain an enhanced reliability security clearance issued by the RCMP.  This process is lengthy and cannot be achieved without invitation from the RCMP and Southern Alberta Regional Victim Servicing Society.

Criminal Record & Vulnerable Sector Check

Volunteers will be required to obtain an acceptable criminal record check, a clear vulnerable sector check and provide fingerprints to the RCMP before being eligible to act as a Volunteer Victim Advocate.

Mandatory Training

Volunteers will be required to attend all mandatory training programs, sessions, meetings etc.  Volunteers will have scheduled monthly team meetings and be required to meet the expectations of the Volunteer Victim Advocate commitment.

  • Make real connections and exercise compassion towards people who are in need.

  • Positively support your community in a meaningful and unique way that is specific to victim services

  • Develop skills and gain invaluable experience which support both personal and professional growth.

Benefits of Volunteering with Victim Services

  • Build connections with like-minded local people in your community and be part of an exclusive team of dedicated volunteers.

  • Receive extensive and ongoing training from experts and enjoy a flexible schedule.

Volunteer Commitment

Mandatory training session attendance, regular training throughout the year.

Monthly Advocate team meetings updates, experience sharing, best practices, team-building.

1 year commitment to Southern Alberta Regional Victim Serving Society.

Claim at least 4, 12 hour Victim Advocate shifts per month.

Weekend shifts available.  Victim Advocates are encouraged to claim weekend shifts.

12 hours shifts- after regular business hours and weekends are available.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  VOLUNTEERS@SARVSS.CA

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Have you ever served as a registered volunteer with the RCMP? If yes, please specify the program or programs in which you participated.
Yes
No
Please describe any previous volunteer experience you have, including the organization(s) you worked with, your role(s), and the duration of your involvement.
Yes
No
Have you had any experience in dealing with victims of crimes or other misfortunes?
Yes
No

REFERENCES

Please provide the names and contact information for 3 references who can speak to your past volunteer work

or professional experience. At least one of the references must be your direct supervisor.

Are you legally entitled to work in Canada?
Yes
No

By signing below I attest that the above information is truthful & accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false claims may result in the rejection of my application and/or termination of my volunteer status with SARVSS. I also understand that I give SARVSS the authority to contact the references listed and, if necessary, to check with authorities to ascertain my suitability as a volunteer. I understand that my acceptance as a volunteer is dependent upon successful completion of a RCMP Enhanced Reliability Security Clearance.

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