Match Peer Counselor

Match peer counselors return Y-ME Hotline calls to callers who wish to speak to a breast cancer survivor who has a similar diagnosis, treatment or experience. 

 
Responsibilities of a Match Peer Counselor

• Return match request calls and provide peer support to callers
• Learn and practice basic peer counseling and crisis intervention techniques
• Keep current on new developments in breast cancer
• Check e-mail daily for match requests

Requirements of a Match Peer Counselor

• Diagnosed and treated for breast cancer and out of treatment for at least one year from the original breast cancer diagnosis.  This does not include treatments such as Tamoxifen, Herceptin, or treatments for metastatic breast cancer.
• Minimum commitment of one year of volunteer service from date of certification
• Commitment to return match calls within 48 hours
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Patient and  resourceful, with a pleasant phone manner
• Completion of Y-ME Peer Counselor Certification Program
• Completion of secondary trainings including, but not limited to, match-specific and follow-up trainings within 30 days of initial training
• Completion of ongoing training as needed
• Personal e-mail address
• Eight continuing education units annually
• Recertification every 3 years
• Adherence to Y-ME policies and procedures

All match peer counselors must complete the Peer Counselor Certification Program and subsequent trainings within 30 days.  The Peer Counselor Certification Program includes: 2-day online training, 2-day in person training (either in Chicago or Virginia), online exam and 10—15 hours of shadowing.  After the Peer Counselor Certification Program is complete, match peer counselors must complete specialized training.

If you'd like to apply to become a match peer counselor, please fill out an application.