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Telephone Volunteer Training

Volunteer Telephone Crisis Supporter Training

Lifeline operates it national 13 11 14 crisis support service from over 50 locations throughout Australia. Each of these locations trains Telephone Crisis Supporters to provide care and support to callers in their time of personal crisis.

Why volunteer?

Training to become a volunteer Telephone Crisis Supporter is a rewarding experience and provides benefits including:

Personal and professional growth and development
Enhanced self awareness
Giving back to your community
Obtaining a nationally recognised qualification
Obtain credit points when applying for a Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling) through ACAP.

' What an amazing experience, I have grown so much…'
- Lifeline Trainee

Who can volunteer?

Lifeline is looking for people with:

The ability to express empathy and respect for others; and
A strong sense of self and self-awareness

And prepared to:

Undergo a police check
Undertake comprehensive training
Fulfil regular shifts
Work within the vision and values of Lifeline; and
Make a two year commitment to volunteer with Lifeline

What’s involved?

Training to become an accredited Lifeline Telephone Crisis Supporter includes:

Paying a contribution to the cost of training
Undertaking the National TC Core Training – 13 Modules delivered in a combination of e-learning and face-to-face modes
Being invited to complete a Student Placement (minimum 16 hours)
Being invited to complete 92 hours as a Probationary Telephone Volunteer, and
Participating in regular supervision and ongoing professional development

Telephone Volunteer Student pathway diagram

As an accredited Lifeline Telephone Volunteer ongoing training and supervision are mandatory to maintain accreditation.

What qualification do Telephone Crisis Supporters receive?

Lifeline National Telephone Volunteer training is mapped to the Certificate IV in Telephone Counselling Skills CHC42208 and successful completion of the Telephone Volunteer Student Pathway will result in a Statement of Attainment for the following Units of Competency:

CHCTC301B	Deliver a service consistent with the organisation’s mission and values
CHCTC302A	Provide client-centred telephone counselling
CHCTC403A	Provide telephone counselling in crisis situations
CHCTC404A	Provide competent suicide intervention in a telephone counselling context

Further study opportunities with ACAP

The Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP) is working with Lifeline to provide a range of professional development opportunities for Lifeline volunteers. As a Lifeline Telephone Crisis Supporter volunteer, once you have completed the Certificate IV in Telephone Counselling Skills you can receive credit for four units (out of a total of 24) when applying for the ACAP Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling). ACAP courses are taught using a practical, hands-on method that focuses on interactive learning with options to study on-campus, or by flexible delivery. To find out more visit the ACAP website.