Blurred photo of four people with text saying "Volunteer Training with First Step"

CORE SKILLS TRAINING

Page last updated January 2026

Core Skills Training is required for volunteers in ongoing and/or direct-service placements.

This comprehensive training is not role-specific and provides essential knowledge about First Step, domestic violence, sexual assault, and how to support survivors. While completion is required for certain volunteer roles, all volunteers are welcome and encouraged to attend. Many participants describe the experience as life-changing.

requirements

You must pre-register, be pre-approved, and complete all screening steps (volunteer application, one-on-one interview, background checks etc.). Spots are limited.

why it's important

Completion of the full training series is required for all direct-service roles such as nurturing, crisis response, front desk support, and community ambassador. It is the highest-level volunteer training offered by First Step. Placement training is provided during volunteer shifts and within the assigned role.

training schedule

Training is typically offered in January, May, and September and includes:

  • One weekday evening session (Thurs 5:30–8:30 p.m.)
  • Three full, consecutive days (Fri, Sat, & Sun, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)

Held at First Step’s Wayne Office: 4400 Venoy Rd., Wayne, MI.

Attendance at ALL sessions in the series is mandatory

Dates will be posted as they become available.

Winter Session
January 2026 
Jan. 15th, 5:30p-8:30p
Jan. 23rd, 9a-5p
Jan. 24th, 9a-5p
Jan. 25th, 9a-5p

Spring Session
May 2026
May 7th, 5:30p-8:30p
May 15th, 9a-5p
May 16th, 9a-5p
May 17th, 9a-5p

Fall Session
September 2026 (Tentative Dates)
Sept 3rd, 5:30p-8:30p
Sept 11th, 9a-5p
Sept 12th, 9a-5p
Sept 13th, 9a-5p

Winter Session
January 2027 (Tentative Dates) 
Jan. 14th, 5:30p-8:30p
Jan. 22nd, 9a-5p
Jan. 23rd, 9a-5p
Jan. 24th, 9a-5p

training topics include

  • First Step History,  Programs, & Philosophies
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Vicarious Trauma & Trauma Stewardship
  • Dynamics of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
  • Dynamics of Sexual Violence & Assault (SA)
  • Impacts of Violence on Children
  • Working with Children at First Step
  • Safety Planning & Lethality Signs & Risks
  • Survivors & the Legal System
  • Empathy, Advocacy, & Crisis Intervention

placement training

Additional training is offered for each placement within their respective program. Volunteers often are assigned a staff liaison, who serves as the staff onsite who helps the volunteer identify training needs, schedule, confirms hours, and oversees project and task delegation.