Crisis Line Responder

If you’ve been looking for a meaningful way to contribute to the community while gaining experience that will help you grow personally and professionally, apply to become a Crisis Line Responder with KCR! With training, ongoing support, and a flexible shift schedule, you’ll be empowered to make a difference in the lives of others. You may be a fit for this volunteer role if you live in BC, are 19 years and older, and want to learn and practice your listening and helping skills.

What the role looks like:
-Answer calls within the Interior Crisis Line Network (ICLN) at our confidential location (remote options available) with the option to complete additional training to answer calls and texts on 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline
-Offer short term emotional support to service users
-Empower individuals to explore options and make their own decisions to resolve current challenges they may be experiencing
-Provide resources and information about community supports when appropriate
-Assess for risk and engage emergency crisis interventions when necessary
-Complete shifts 4 hours in length
-Debrief with responders before and after each shift

Essential Qualities:
-Ability to maintain confidentiality
-Accepting, non-judgmental, caring, empathetic and respectful attitude
-Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
-Excellent oral and written communication skills
-Comfortable discussing sensitive topics such as suicide and self-harm
-Openness to receiving feedback 
-Ability to recognize when there's a need to reach out for support

Volunteer Commitment and Shifts:
-Completion of 2-month crisis line training in full in the months of September and October
-Commitment of 20 hours per month for a minimum of 6 months after training is complete from Novermber 2026 to April 2027
-Shift times are flexible and scheduled by volunteers, but 2 out of 5 shifts per month must be completed during the overnight hours to maintain 24/7 coverage of the crisis line service
-We always welcome volunteers to stay on longer than 6 months if they choose! After April 2027, hours of involvement may be reduced to a minimum of 12 hours per month to remain actively involved 

Types of issues or concerns responders may encounter:
-Mental health, social isolation, addiction, family and relationship issues, grief, health concerns, abuse, sexuality, legal, financial, transportation, shelter, emergency services, youth and senior issues, suicide, self-harm and more
-The risk level can range from someone who is socially isolated who would benefit from supportive listening, to others in which the situation of the service user has escalated to the point that life-saving interventions are required

What responders get out of the role:
-Opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others in their community
-Valuable experience for work or graduate school including risk assessment skills
-Learn and practice a variety of communication and interpersonal skills
-Opportunity to gain a greater understanding of human behavior and applied psychology

Training Information:
-All virtual classroom training shifts are 5:30-9:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays via Zoom on the following dates: September 1st, 3rd, 8th, 10th, 15th, 17th, 22nd, 24th
-Up to an additional 8-12 hours of self-directed learning in the month of September incuding Indigenous Specific Anti-Racism training and pre-study readings 
-One additional virtual group training 5:30-9:30pm via Zoom selected from the following dates: Thursday, October 1st OR Tuesday, October 6th 
-Two to three 4 hour 1:1 October training shifts during daytime and evening hours with experienced responders booked based on the availability of trainees (in-person option available)

Training is offered 3 times per year in January, May, and September. The next cohort will begin training on September 1, 2026. We are currently accepting applications for the upcoming cohort and welcome all who are interested to apply. The application deadline for the September 2026 training is Wednesday, August 5th, 2026 at 4pm PST.