Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center (MCRCC) as a Sexual Assault Counselor. This vital role offers you the opportunity to support survivors of sexual violence and make a meaningful impact in your community.
Training Overview
Our state-certified Sexual Assault Counselor Training is offered twice a year. The training spans five weeks and consists of twelve sessions.
This 51-hour training covers topics such as crisis intervention, advocacy, community resources, systems collaboration, and best practices for supporting survivors of sexual assault, human trafficking, and child abuse, as well as their significant others.
- Sessions are held in the evenings on Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday, depending on classroom availability.
- Three Saturday sessions are also included, which may be rescheduled to accommodate MCRCC’s holiday observances.
- Training follows a hybrid format, with a mix of in-person and virtual sessions conducted via Zoom, our preferred online platform.
If you are interested in volunteering as a Sexual Assault Counselor:
- Complete the application form: Apply Here
You will be contacted by the Crisis Intervention Services Manager to discuss the next steps. Applicants applying during or after an active training session will be contacted to join the next available cohort.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Commit to one year of volunteer service
- Attend all 12 training sessions
- Participate in monthly in-service meetings (at least 8 of 12 annually)
- Complete 4 volunteer shifts per month (2 Helpline and 2 SART shifts, typically during evenings, weekends, or holidays)
- Be open to supervision and collaboration with MCRCC staff
- Be willing and able to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities
- Be prepared to engage with topics including sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence, mental health, stalking, and harassment
- Not have a history of perpetrating sexual, physical, or violent crimes
- Have a mobile phone to receive Helpline calls
- Have reliable transportation to accompany survivors to Sexual Assault Forensic Exams at Natividad Medical Center
To obtain certification, applicants must complete a Live Scan fingerprint clearance through the Department of Justice. The cost typically ranges from $20 to $35, depending on the location. MCRCC may provide reimbursement based on financial need.
Live Scan clearance must be completed at least fifteen days before the end of the training.
Volunteers are required to:
- Have a mobile phone capable of receiving calls from the Helpline system
- Have access to a computer and internet for Zoom-based training and online meetings
- Sign up for shifts using MCRCC’s Helpline scheduling platform
- Answer calls on MCRCC’s 24-hour Helpline and provide emotional support, information, and referrals
- Accompany survivors to Sexual Assault Forensic Exams and provide in-person support
- Submit required documentation, including Call Logs and Crisis Intervention Forms, promptly
- Attend monthly in-service meetings (usually the first Tuesday of each month)
- Participate in outreach events to raise awareness and recruit new volunteers
- Debrief with on-call staff after difficult cases
- Attend regular supervision meetings with the Crisis Services Manager
MCRCC partners with California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) to provide Service Learning opportunities. Students must commit to a full year of volunteer service after completing their service learning hours. We do not accept applicants seeking to volunteer solely for the completion of school requirements.
If this applies to you, please contact the Crisis Intervention Services Manager before training begins.
If you need additional information or accommodations during the application process, please contact us.
831-375-4357
ashleym@mtryrapecrisis.org