On-Call Peer Counselor

An on-call peer counselor answers real-time Hotline calls and provides peer support, acting as a listener, a coach, and a resource for useful and accurate information.
 

Responsibilities of an On-Call Peer Counselor

• Answer Hotline calls and provide peer support, information and resource referrals
• Learn and practice basic peer counseling and crisis intervention techniques
• Remain current on new developments in breast cancer
• Record all pertinent data for each call
• Follow escalation protocol as needed
• In addition, serve as a match peer counselor

Requirements of an On-Call 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
• Minimum commitment to serve 20 hours/month of hotline shifts
• Home office setup including a personal computer and high-speed cable internet located in a quiet area conducive for handling Hotline calls
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Patient and resourceful, with a pleasant phone manner
• Comfortable using computer skills (keyboarding, email, opening and sending attachments, web searches for research)
• Completion of Y-ME Peer Counselor Certification Program
• Completion of secondary trainings including, but not limited to, database and follow-up training 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 on-call 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 15 – 20 hours of shadowing.  After the Peer Counselor Certification Program is complete, all on-call peer counselors must complete subsequent trainings, including database and computer training.

If you'd like to apply to become an on-call peer counselor, please fill out an application.  You will receive a follow up form to fill out regarding at-home office and computer requirements.