Training to Serve at Telecare

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Adapting to Serve Better: Telecare's Transition to Online Volunteer Training

We want our volunteers to be well-equipped to serve on the lines. Since Telecare’s inception in 1989, we have required volunteers to take a course in how to support hurting people. Holding a high standard for training ensures that we attract quality people who have the heart and mind to listen compassionately and knowingly to complex people.

Training Online

For years we trained new recruits each spring for approximately 11 weeks, three hours per week, with community experts presenting. After spring 2020 that changed when we were not able to gather. Fortunately, then executive director Debbie Cazander – who served on the training team – was already moving this curriculum online. Along with Janet Hitchcock, they completed the task in spring 2021, just in time for new recruits. Today volunteers complete the curriculum online at their own pace by engaging information, questions, and homework.

What do they study?

In brief, they engage topics that prepare them to listen knowingly and compassionately. All new people complete: Telecare 101, Listening, Communication, Caring Confrontation, The Caller, Spiritual Needs of the Caller/Prayer. Mental Illness, Personality Disorders, Brain Injury, Abuse, Crisis Intervention, and Suicide Intervention. In addition, trainees choose three more areas among: Anger Management, Loneliness, Volunteer Self Care, Addictions, and Grieving.

The Value of the Training

Regarding the value of training, Debbie Cazander says, “People who are drawn to volunteer with Telecare usually have a caring nature and are quick to listen to others. With training we build on these qualities, sharing relevant information to enhance skills, and to build confidence within the volunteer. An essential part of the training is to bring awareness of the different situations call responders may encounter. The training regards conversations over the telephone, but the lessons will have valuable lifelong benefits for volunteers.”

If you would like to learn more about Telecare's Call Responder training - CLICK HERE

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