TRAINING FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS INTERERESTED IN DIRECT SERVICE AND OTHER SELECT PLACEMENTS
Page last updated Feb 2023
Consistent or Direct-Service Volunteers are volunteers who are housed in recurring placements and/or have ongoing, direct contact and engagement with First Step clients are required to complete Core Skills Training. Some non-direct placements may be required to attend as well. All volunteers are always welcome to attend! You must PRE-REGISTER and be pre-approved. Other screening procedures are also expected before you commit (attend an info session, meet with staff, complete an application, etc.). Spots are limited.
See the volunteer home page and individual volunteering page for more information on our volunteer programs and placements. We ask that these volunteers make a one year commitment. For most positions, you must be at least 18 years old.
First Step will provide you with the foundational training you will need to be successful. Completion of the ENTIRE Core Skills Training series is required in order to ongoingly engage in direct service volunteering opportunities (nurturing, assault response, front desk, etc.). It is also a great way to meet staff and learn more about First Step and domestic and sexual violence! The skills and information we share has been described as life changing for people in their daily life, as well as volunteering at First Step.
Core Skills Training is of the highest qualifications a volunteer can receive at First Step. Having completed the training will be very helpful for future engagement with the agency and survivors. It allows volunteers to view most volunteering opportunities on their Volunteer Portal.
Dates will be provided as they are made available, but are typically held in January, May, and September over 4 segments; one evening 5:30-830p and 3 consecutive, full days (Friday, Saturday & Sunday), 9a to 5p at First Step's Wayne office (4400 Venoy Rd.). Currently, the next Core Skills Training series are scheduled as follows:
Attendance of ALL Core Skills Training sessions listed within a series is mandatory.
Spring 2023 Series (Confirmed)
- May 11th, 5:30p-8:30p
- May 19th, 9a-5p
- May 20th, 9a-5p
- May 21st, 9a-5p
Fall 2023 Series (Projected; dates subject to change)
- September 14th, 5:30p-8:30p
- September 22nd, 9a-5p
- September 23rd, 9a-5p
- September 24th, 9a-5p
Winter 2024 Series (Projected; dates subject to change)
- January 18th, 5:30p-8:30p
- January 26th, 9a-5p
- January 27th, 9a-5p
- January 28th, 9a-5p
Core Skills Training Topics Include:
- First Step Programs & Policies
- Empathy, Diversity, & Inclusion
- Trauma Stewardship
- Overview of Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
- Effects of Violence on Children
- Safety Planning & Lethality
- Survivors & the Legal System
- Crisis Intervention & Advocacy
- Assault Response Program* (for select volunteers)
Specialized Training
Additional training is offered for each placement within their respective program. Volunteers often are assigned a staff liaison, so serves as the staff onsite who helps the volunteer identify training needs, schedule, confirms hours, and oversees project and task delegation.