Crisis Services Volunteer Application

Thank you so much for your interest in becoming a crisis services volunteer at Samaritans, Inc.

We have recently experienced an outpouring of support from potential volunteers like you and currently have a waitlist of potential volunteers. We deeply appreciate your interest in becoming a volunteer and your patience as we work diligently to train and onboard new volunteers.

All crisis services volunteers at Samaritans are required to complete a robust training program and agree to complete 200 hours of service over a 9 to 12 month period.

If you are still interested in becoming a volunteer, please complete the application below to be added to our waitlist. The application form asks for professional references and includes short essay questions. This will take about 20 minutes to complete. When a volunteer space becomes available, a member of our team will follow up with you to schedule an interview.

Crisis Helpline Volunteer Application

Volunteer Commitment

Please confirm whether you can commit to the following:

Can you commit to doing a 4-hour volunteer shift once a week?

Can you commit to completing a total of 125 hours (if you are 18 years old or younger) or 200 hours (if you are 19 years old or older) of volunteering?

This is a requirement for anyone who volunteers with us. Unfortunately, if you are unable to commit to this right now, we will not be able to accept your application at this time. If you are answering “no” for specific reasons (ex: medical) that we may not be aware of, please contact helplineinfo@samaritanshope.org.

Consent

The following questions are asking you to give Samaritans permission to run a background check or obtain parent/guardian consent. This is a requirement for anyone who volunteers with us. Unfortunately, if you are unable to give us permission to run a background check or permission to contact a parent/guardian with a consent form, we will not be able to accept your application at this time.

Are you 18+ Years Old?

Yes, I am 18 years old or olderNo, I am under 18 years old

If you are 18 or older:

As an applicant for a volunteer position, I understand that a background check will be conducted and that it will not necessarily disqualify me. I certify that all information provided by me in support of my volunteer application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

I understand that misrepresentations or omissions may be cause for rejection or may be cause for subsequent dismissal. I give Samaritans permission to investigate all information concerning my volunteer application in order to determine my qualifications. I understand that any offer of volunteer work may be rescinded if the results of the investigation are unacceptable to Samaritans at its sole discretion.

Please type your name to confirm that you understand the above statement:

If you are 15 to 17 years old:

As an applicant for a volunteer position, I understand that a parent/guardian consent form will be sent to my parent/guardian to confirm that I have permission to become a volunteer at Samaritans.

Please type your name to confirm that you understand the above statement:

Please type in the name of your parent/guardian:

Parent/guardian's First Name:

Parent/guardian's Last Name:

Please enter the email address for your parent/guardian:

Contact Information

First Name

Last Name

I would like to receive emails from Samaritans, Inc. about events, new programs, and other news.

Phone

I would like to receive text messages from Samaritans, Inc. about events, new programs, and other news.

Employer/School

This demographic information is asked to measure how well our volunteer and employee recruitment work reaches a variety of individuals and communities. Your responses will not impact your application.

Birthdate

Gender

Gender Pronouns

Please indicate your race or ethnic background:

Other

Please indicate your veteran status:

Disability Status

Identifying yourself as an individual with a disability is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential and will have no impact on your application. Your decision to answer this question and your answer will not harm you in any way.

Please indicate your disability status:

Other

Address

Country

Street Address

City

State

Provinces

State/Province

Postal Code

How did you hear about us?

Have you previously volunteered or applied with Samaritans?

If yes, when did you volunteer with us?

References

Please list three references who can speak to why you would be suited for this volunteering role (Ex: teacher, supervisor, co-worker etc.). Please do not list any family members or friends as a reference.

Reference 1

First Name

Last Name

Phone

Relationship to You

Years Known

Reference 2

First Name

Last Name

Phone

Relationship to You

Years Known

Reference 3

First Name

Last Name

Phone

Relationship to You

Years Known

Open-Ended Questions

Please write 2-4 sentences for each answer.

Many agencies need volunteers. What attracted you specifically to Samaritans?

What experience would you like to gain from volunteering at Samaritans?

What characteristics do you have that you think would be helpful to you in this kind of work?

Working in suicide prevention can be extremely challenging and emotionally exhausting. How do you practice self-care for yourself and what does it mean to you?

Communication is a big part of what we do here, not only on the helpline, but also with each other (staff and volunteers). Describe what makes you a good communicator?

Empathy, communication, non-judgmental listening and a spirit of service are some of the things that are important to us in this work. Please provide an example of a time you practiced one or more of these values?

Please inform us of any accommodations you might need.

If there is anything else you would like staff to know about your application, please email helplineinfo@samaritanshope.org.

Contact Information

Our Services

Samaritans provides lifesaving suicide prevention services throughout Massachusetts. Our services are free, confidential, and nonjudgmental.

You can call or text us anytime you feel isolated, desperate, suicidal, or concerned about someone else in your life.

Hey Sam is a peer-to-peer texting service for people up to 24 years old.

If you have lost a loved one to suicide, you can find support through events, meetings, and peer networks.

Learn how to help someone in crisis by hosting a suicide prevention workshop at your school, workplace, or organization.

Crisis Services Volunteer Application

Crisis Helpline Volunteer Application

Volunteer Commitment

Consent

Contact Information

References

Open-Ended Questions

Our Services

24/7 Helpline

Hey Sam

Grief Support Services

Community Education

Sign Up for Samaritans’ Email List