YourShoes On-Call Peer Counselor Volunteer
Location: Nationwide
Volunteer Position Description
Breast Cancer Network of Strength is seeking breast cancer survivors to fill volunteer positions as YourShoes On-Call Peer Counselors. Breast Cancer Network of Strength uniquely provides peer support through YourShoes™, a 24/7 breast cancer support center staffed by trained breast cancer survivors who know first-hand what it is like to walk in the shoes of someone who is facing the disease. The volunteer position will be responsible for answering YourShoes calls during designated shifts either at home or through an affiliate office.
Responsibilities
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Keep current on new developments in breast cancer
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Answer YourShoes calls and provide peer support, information and resource referrals
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Learn and practice basic peer counseling and crisis intervention techniques
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Record all pertinent data for each call
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Select educational materials to be sent to callers
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Follow escalation protocol as needed
Requirements
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Diagnosed and treated for breast cancer (must be out of treatment for at least one year)
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Strong verbal and written communication skills
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Solid computer skills (e-mail, Internet, Microsoft Word and data base entry)
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Strong customer service skills
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Patient, resourceful and have a pleasant phone manner
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Ability to work with a diverse group of people
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Typing proficiency
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Participation in a 2-day training program and pass the peer counselor certification exam
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Participation in the database systems training and work with an experienced peer counselor for shadowing requirements
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Personal e-mail address
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Maintain four continuing education units on an annual basis
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Adhere to YourShoes Support Center Standards (i.e. 20 hours/month, quality assurance metrics, call monitoring, etc.)
Time Requirement
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20 hours per month
Length of Assignment
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Maintain recertification every three years
About the Organization
Breast Cancer Network of Strength™, formerly known as Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization®, is a Chicago-based national nonprofit organization with the mission to ensure, through information, empowerment and peer support, that no one faces breast cancer alone.
To Apply
Submit a volunteer application or contact Kelly Bonen, Support Center Volunteer Manager, at kbonen@networkofstrength.org.
Certification Training Program Details
All Volunteer YourShoes Peer Counselors must attend and participate in all sections of certification training. Training locations and dates vary. >>Learn more about the certification training program.
All YourShoes Peer Counselors must take and pass the certification exam independently, within 30 days following the training. If a volunteer fails the exam, it must be retaken within 30 days. The person does not need to retake the training. Attending and participating in the two-day training, passing the exam, and participating in systems training are all requirements for certification and for the Volunteer YourShoes Peer Counselor position.
Breast Cancer Network of Strength is an equal opportunity employer.