On-Call Peer Counselor Certification Training
Step 1: Submit Application
Submit application via Web site or e-mail.
Step 2: Preliminary Phone Screening
Complete preliminary screening with National or a local Affiliate representative. Affiliates across the country conduct preliminary screenings through affiliates because they are able to introduce you to local volunteer projects in addition to peer counseling opportunities.
Step 3: Phone Interview with National
Schedule a phone interview with Network of Strength National office. The purpose of a phone interview is for Network of Strength to explain the position in more detail, assess your volunteer goals and learn more about you. Being emotionally ready and in tune with your own breast cancer experience is important, and topic is assessed in a phone interview. Network of Strength also requires that you be out of treatment for at least one year.
Step 4: 2-Day Training Session
Upon being selected, you will be scheduled to attend a mandatory two-day Peer Support Training. YourShoes Peer Counselors are required to attend a mandatory two-day training. This is an important step in becoming a peer counselor because it is the first opportunity to learn about how to handle YourShoes calls. Training consists of lectures, discussion and role-plays covering medical information, effective communication, dealing with emotions and sensitivity.
Step 5: Exam
Complete online exam within 30 days of training. All YourShoes Peer Counselors must pass the online certification exam independently following the training. If a volunteer fails the exam, it can be retaken within 30 days. The volunteer does not need to retake the training. Attending and participating in the two-day training, passing the exam, and further training (i.e. shadowing an experienced peer counselor) are all requirements for certification for the volunteer peer counselor position.
Step 6: Shadowing Sessions
Schedule shadowing sessions upon notification of passing the online exam. Shadowing allows the new peer counselor to ease into the peer counselor position while gaining experience from a trained and certified peer counselor. You will join an experienced peer counselor on YourShoes calls. The new peer counselor will observe how the peer counselor reacts and handles the conversation and is observed by the experienced peer counselor. The new peer counselor will receive feedback from the experienced peer counselor.
Step 7: Medical Profile
Complete a computer form and medical profile, upon completing shadowing and being notified of certification. We ask for your medical profile so you can be a match peer counselor as well. This means that if a caller would like to speak with someone who has had a similar diagnosis, conditions or life experiences, the Network of Strength YourShoes staff can match the caller appropriately to one of our peer counselors.
Step 8: IP Phones
Install phone equipment within 48 hours of receipt (mailed to you via UPS). Network of Strength will send you detailed instructions to guide you through your IP (Internet Protocol) phone and firewall installation. An IP phone uses high-speed Internet to connect you to the Network of Strength YourShoes Support Center. It is different from your home phone because the IP phone sends and receives its signal over the Internet and not a land-based line.
Step 9: Computer Training
Schedule computer training (2; two-hour sessions). During these sessions, you will learn how to navigate the YourShoes Support Center Database. The Support Center Database is used to share news, updates and resources about breast cancer information with peer counselors. You will also use the Support Center Database to capture caller data during YourShoes calls.
Step 10: First Support Center Shift
Schedule first Support Center shift (working with a “buddy”). You are now an active on-call peer counselor. You will work your first shift on the Support Center with another peer counselor who you will be able to contact with any questions you have. This “buddy system” helps peer counselors to feel more comfortable and confident.
Certification is valid for three years, given that peer counselors maintain four continuing education credits per year.