Volunteer Opportunities

 

As an agency that was created by a group of concerned community members and has been supported by a strong volunteer program for more than 30 years, Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands is committed to the well being of our volunteers. We’re honored by the time and dedication that our volunteers commit to helping us achieve our mission, and are happy to know that our volunteers show a high level of satisfaction with their volunteer experience.

Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands has several volunteer opportunities, making it easy for any interested volunteers to find something that will be a good fit for them. Questions about which volunteer position is best for you? Click on any of the links below for more thorough descriptions, or contact our Volunteer Services Coordinator at sarahi@stsm.org or (803) 790-8208. 

Already know what you want to do? Complete the online Volunteer Application!

Hospital and Hotline Advocate

Description: Accompany survivors to local emergency rooms to provide information about the sexual assault evidence collection process, reporting to law enforcement, and services available from STSM, as well as emotional support to the survivor and their loved ones. You will also answer calls on our crisis hotline. Calls range from survivors or community members seeking emotional support or information about sexual assault and STSM.

Commitment: Volunteers sign up for two on-call shifts per month: the lengths of the shifts vary, but volunteers are able to choose their shifts based on their own schedules. Day, night, weekday, and weekend shifts are available.

Requirements:

  • Completing a volunteer application and a 25-hour training
  • Interested in working directly with survivors of sexual assault
  • Seeking flexible volunteer hours, including night or weekend hours (we provide services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
  • Empathetic and non-judgmental, and good listeners
  • Responsible and reliable in signing up for shifts, responding to calls appropriately, and returning paperwork to STSM staff

Speaker's Bureau

Description: Provide information and education to community members and STSM supporters. Volunteers attend health fairs and public events to share information about STSM and sexual assault education.

Commitment: Volunteers commit to attend four or more events per year. Events are scheduled various days of the week and times of the day, and volunteers are able to sign up for events that fit their schedule.

Requirements: ​

  • Completing a volunteer application and an 8-hour training
  • Interested in public speaking or public health education.
  • Seeking flexible volunteer hours, including night or weekend hours.
  • Outgoing and interested in meeting a wide variety of individuals, and comfortable speaking to community members one-on-one or in groups.
  • Responsible and reliable in volunteering for and documenting events, and able to relay information as directed.

    • Office Volunteer

    Description: Assist STSM staff with administrative work in the office or at events. Tasks range from data entry, answering phone calls, greeting clients coming to the office, and filing.

    Commitment: Typically, we ask office volunteers to commit to completing at least 45 hours with our agency. These could be done over a short period of time (ex, coming in daily over 2-3 weeks), or a longer period.

    Requirements:

    • Completing a volunteer application
    • Interested in a shorter-term volunteer commitment
    • Interested in gaining a large number of volunteer hours in a short period of time
    • Responsible and reliable in volunteering at scheduled times and documenting volunteer time

    Group Facilitators

    Description: Group facilitators at STSM provide therapeutic support groups to survivors and their families. STSM’s support groups are available to adult and adolescent survivors, as well as their parent/caregivers, spouse/partners, and families.

    Requirements:

    • Male or female licensed professionals and/or students currently enrolled in graduate program in counselor education, social work, psychology, or other closely related disciplines
    • Reliable and dependable
    • Confident about handling stressful situations
    • Attend and complete STSM Group Facilitator Training
    • Have reliable transportation

    To Apply: Send a copy of your most recent resume to our Group Services Coordinator, Kelley Manuel, at kelleym@stsm.org, fax to (803) 790-8282, or drop it off at our office.

    Internships and Service Learning

    Description: Many of our volunteer opportunities are suitable for students and individuals who are interested in various aspects of public health, counseling, social work, fundraising, and event planning. STSM does have limited internship availability, but contact the Volunteer Services Coordinator (vsc@stsm.org) if you are specifically looking for internship experience.

    Requirements:

    • Completing a volunteer application
    • Interested in a future career in the fields of counseling, criminal justice, health education, or the prevention of sexual assault
    • Responsible and reliable in completing service learning/internship work

    Therapy Dog Teams

    Description: STSM offers animal assisted therapy to many of our clients who are having difficulty discussing their trauma or need extra comfort during a therapy session. We have had many therapy dogs, ranging in size and breed, give that extra sense of security to our clients, and always looking for new therapy dog teams.

    Requirements:

    • Dogs must be trained and certified
    • Up to date shot record
    • Have personal liability insurance
    • Work well in an office setting with clients
    • Ability to comply with agency’s policies and procedures

    To Apply: Interested teams can contact Sherry Lewis, Director of Therapy, at 803-790-8208 or sherryl@stsm.org for more information.