About Spokane About Spokane
       

Volunteer Opportunities  
 

SMH is a comprehensive mental health provider for the residents of Spokane County. Due to the wide array of services, we depend a great deal on the community for volunteer support. Whether you want to work with those in an immediate crisis, elders who need transportation, or seniors who need peer counseling, SMH has numerous volunteer opportunities.

 

First Call For Help

Trained volunteers, under the supervision of SMH professional staff, provide 24 hour telephone crisis intervention, information, assistance and supportive listening in a confidential and caring manner. First Call For Help also serves as the first level of response for all calls received after normal business hours at SMH.

           

Four hour shifts are available, once a week or more, and we work with your schedule to set your volunteer hours. As a volunteer you will participate in an extensive 30 hour training program.

Volunteer training includes:

  • Telephone techniques

  • How to access referral information

  • How to refer callers to relevant resources

  • Crisis intervention techniques

  • Supportive listening skills

  • Role play scenarios

  • Overview of mental illness

  • Overview of community resources

 

Care Cars

Friendly volunteers (19 years of age and older) share time by providing escort transportation for older adults who are unable to drive a car or use public transportation to medical appointments. Individuals can choose a volunteer schedule that best matches their own needs. In addition, volunteers receive mileage reimbursement.

 

Volunteers receive training that prepares them for providing escort services to elders who are most in need of assistance, but not wheelchair bound or immobile.

 

For more information, call (509) 458-7450.

 

Senior Peer Counseling

Sensitive, compassionate men and women, aged 55 or older, are chosen as counselors for their ability to establish trust and rapport with peers seeking help. Volunteers offer similar life experiences and the ability to actively listen.

 

Volunteer counselors aid peers in rediscovering and developing a positive self-image, greater self-awareness and feelings of accomplishment. The Senior Peer Counselor’s effectiveness is due to a commonality of experiences that create a bond of trust between volunteers and elders.

 

For more information, call (509) 458-7450.