Victim Services Volunteer Advocates

Organization Description

The Central Alberta Regional Victim Serving Society (CARVSS) delivers a wide range of services under the Victims of Crime and Public Safety Act and Regulation, in collaboration with the Government of Alberta, the Alberta RCMP, specialized and community-based victim-serving organizations, municipalities, and other local partners.

CARVSS supports victims of crime and tragic circumstances throughout the criminal justice process by providing the core services of information, emotional support, and referrals. In addition, CARVSS helps strengthen communities by offering resources and assistance to individuals experiencing loss and tragic circumstances.

We ensure that victims of crime and tragic circumstances understand their rights, have access to available services, and are supported in navigating the criminal justice system. At the heart of our work is a strong commitment to our core values, which guide every aspect of our service and volunteer engagement:

The CARVSS IDEA: Integrity, Difference, Empathy, Accountability

· Integrity:  Upholding honesty, ethical standards, and respect for victims’ confidentiality

· Making a Difference: Enabling victims to make informed choices, achieve their goals, and move forward.

· Empathy: Seeking to understand the experience of victims, creating a welcoming, non-judgmental, environment, and providing compassionate support.

· Accountability: Being consistent, transparent, and responsive in providing trauma-informed supported and services.

CARVSS services the following RCMP Detachment areas: 

Fort Saskatchewan
Morinville
St. Albert
Parkland (Spruce Grove and Stony Plain)
Devon
Breton
Thorsby
Beaumont
Leduc 
Ponoka
Sylvan Lake
Blackfalds
Rimbey
Rocky Mountain House
Innisfail
Wetaskiwin
Maskwacis
Bashaw
Camrose
Stettler

Our volunteers, known as Volunteer Advocates, are essential to our mission. Volunteer Advocates receive free training and can serve in one or more of the following three roles:

Community Engagement Advocates:
Support CARVSS by representing the organization at community events. This role helps raise awareness of victim services, fosters community connections, and supports volunteer recruitment. *Flexible availability is required.

Crisis Call Out Advocates:
Provide immediate support, information, and referrals to victims of crime and trauma in the Central Alberta region through crisis intervention and timely follow-up. This role requires a commitment to being on-call during crisis situations. *Evening and weekend availability is required.

Court Advocates:
Offer clients timely information about court matters and attend court to provide emotional support. Advocates explain the criminal justice process and help individuals understand what to expect. *Weekday/daytime availability is required.