You will be an online chat responder providing emotional support on our online chat platform.

• Providing immediate and confidential support (chat, etc.) using agency procedures and policies
• Providing information and referrals when appropriate
• Understanding what to do if you are concerned about a person’s safety
• Work with callers/chatters, volunteers, and staff in a respectful and professional manner
• Letting callers know you’re listening and someone cares
• Letting the person know there is someone here to provide individual support

• Certified Listeners are not therapists or hold themselves out to be
• Telling people what to do or how they should live their lives
• You are not providing crisis intervention
• You are not a providing addiction counselling

• Keyboarding skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to build a relationship and convey empathy and emotion through an online platform
• Capacity to remain calm and effective in challenging situations
• Non-judgmental and accepting of diverse values and beliefs
• Reliability and punctuality
• Ability to work independently
• Good self-awareness and common sense
• Emotional resilience, stability and maturity
• Proficiency in the English language – both written and spoken
• Open to feedback and continuous development
• Access to a computer with reliable internet connectivity
• Access to a private space at home for the duration of your volunteering shift
• Adherence to Certified Listeners Society policies, procedures and online chat guidelines
• Ability to support Certified Listeners Society’s philosophy of empowering individuals

We, at the Certified Listeners Society, provide training, protocols, policies, support and supervision to help volunteers fulfill their roles at every stage of the way. You will never be alone. We supervise all chats and activities. We are beside you 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Also, we ask you to work one 4-hour shift per week until you have provided 50 hours of volunteer time, after successful completion of training. There is flexibility in scheduling, and you will be able to choose weekly shifts that best suit you from four designated times:

• 8am to 12pm
• 12pm to 4pm
• 4pm to 8pm
• 8pm to 12am

If you are not trained by a crisis and/or distress call centre, you can still become a certified listener volunteer. To find out how, please go HERE.

• You are at least 18 years old.
• 2 pieces of photo ID. ( Your OHIP is not acceptable as a Photo ID ).
• 2 volunteer, work, or school-related references. You can download the reference form HERE.
• 1 Non-Disclosure Agreement. You can download the agreement HERE
• 1 Police Record Check. You can find out more and download the Police Record Check Letter HERE.
• You have been trained by a recognized crisis and/or distress call centre.
  • PLEASE NOTE: If you do not have this training, you can still become a certified listener volunteer. To find out how, please go HERE.
• Successful completion of all comprehensive Core Competencies training programs, quizzes and screening process.
• Reliability in fulfilling weekly shift commitments.
• Comply with Certified Listeners Society policies and procedures and our Code of Ethics.
• Maintain a confidential workplace as well as confidentiality about your work.
• Sign and comply with our Volunteer Non-Disclosure Agreement
• Participation in ongoing training and work-related development opportunities.

• Receive training and insights into your own self that will stay with you for your lifetime. This training will change your life and the lives of the people around you. You will also develop and enhance your communication skills valuable in everyday personal and professional life.
• Helping people in need in your very own community is tremendously rewarding. Online emotional support is a unique opportunity to help others, and help them when they need you.

• Make tangible differences in others’ lives and feel connected to the community
• Gain experience and confidence in supporting others
• Develop your communication and social skills and gain perspectives, or self-awareness
• Be a part of a supportive team
• Feeling good about yourself
• Training in emotional support
• Enhanced self-growth
• Staying informed on current social issues
• Volunteering experience in an organization where diversity is welcomed and encouraged
• Experience towards a career in social work, psychology, community outreach, etc.
• Upon finishing the Certified Listeners e-training course, you will be obtaining a Certificate of Completion in recognition of your new interpersonal skills.
• Confirmation of Volunteer Work upon fulfillment of your 50 Hours of volunteering commitment to our clients.

NOTE: As part of our commitment to volunteers, reference letters and confirmations of volunteering experience are provided upon request to individuals who have fulfilled the specified requirements previously stated. Certified Listeners Society is only able to attest to a volunteer’s skills experience and personal qualities. Reference letters and confirmation will state that Certified Listeners Society volunteers are engaged in emotional support not any type of psychotherapy during the course of their volunteer work.

Due to the nature of the work and the various stressful situations that our clients will require support with, this position may not be a good fit for everyone, especially during this time. Timing is everything; if you are experiencing or have experienced, in the past, your own personal trauma or emotional difficulties it is crucial to address potential triggers prior to considering this opportunity.

DIVERSITY: Certified Listeners Society embraces diversity and values the lived experience of those who may have been discriminated on the basis of race, creed, colour, nationality, political or religious affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family relationship or disability.