teen sitting outside texting

Volunteer with Hey Sam

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Hey Sam volunteer. Hey Sam volunteers must:

  • Be 15 to 24 years old with permanent residency in the United States
  • Be able to work a consistent 3-hour shift every week (if in high school) or a consistent 4-hour shift every week (if out of high school).  
  • Be available to complete their weekly volunteer shift between 9am and midnight ET. Please note that any volunteers who are in high school are not able to shift on the textline past 9pm (in their own time zone). 
  • Have access to a computer, a reliable internet connection, and confidential, private space. 

All of our volunteers must complete a thorough online training program to develop active listening skills and learn best practices for supporting peers who are struggling.

Please complete the application below to be considered for our volunteer training program. It will take about 20 minutes to complete the application, and you will be asked to provide references and answer short essay questions.

If you are under 18 years old, you will also be asked to provide the contact information for your parent/guardian.  

Additionally, once you’ve completed the application and we have received parental/guardian consent (if applicable) you will receive a link to set up an interview with a member of the Hey Sam team.  

Please keep in mind that space is limited, and we are unable to offer everyone an opportunity to volunteer. 

Contact heysaminfo@samaritanshope.org if you have questions or have trouble completing the application.

Hey Sam Application Form

Hey Sam Volunteer Application

Volunteer Commitment

Please confirm whether you can commit to the following:




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 heysaminfo@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.


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.



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 in the name of your parent/guardian: 



Applicant Contact and Demographic Information










If you are 18 or older, this address must match the address on your government-issued ID. Hey Sam applicants are limited to those with permanent residency in the United States.

















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.








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.






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






Reference 2






Reference 3






Open-Ended Questions

Please write 2-4 sentences for each answer.








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

Contact Information

Our Services

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

TALK TO SOMEONE

24/7 Helpline

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

PEER TEXT LINE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Hey Sam

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

FIND SUPPORT

Grief Support Services

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

BOOK A WORKSHOP

Community Education

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