| About the Position | |
| Position # | 2269 |
| Organization | Survivors of Abuse Recovering |
| Position | Peer Supporter - Peer Supporting Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse |
| Impact Statement | Peer supporters offer confidentiality, a good listening ear and a non-judgmental approach. Through training and personal experiences, peer supporters understand and can provide empathy, guidance, support and access to resources such as reading materials and techniques to help through stressful times. |
| Description |
Currently, all peer support, one-on-one or group, is offered online. The training is also online. All Peer Supporters must themselves be survivors of childhood sexual abuse and are assessed for suitability before acceptance into our program. We offer support to, and need peer supporters of, all genders. We encourage male survivors to apply. Limitations and strengths ========================= Peer supporters are not professionals or therapists and cannot give any medical or psychological advice. A peer supporter is expected to offer confidentiality, a good listening ear and a non-judgmental approach. Through training and personal experiences, a peer supporter understands difficulties and can provide empathy, guidance, support and access to resources such as reading materials and techniques to help one through a stressful time. |
| Training Details |
A peer supporter is taught to offer a survivor: - Respectful listening - Acceptance - Confidentiality - Understanding - Hope - Reassurance that one is not alone - Strategies and information to help one feel more in control S.O.A.R. offers a free 16-session online (via Zoom) peer support training for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse of all genders who have progressed sufficiently in their recovery that they feel ready to assist others in healing. The next training will be held on alternate Saturdays, starting Jan 13th, 2024 and finishing April 20th, 2024. Deadline to apply is December 9th, 2023. Trainees must attend all 16 sessions to receive a certificate of completion. Volunteer Peer Supporters are asked to commit at least two years following the end of training. |
| Working Conditions |
How often do the peer supporter and the person being helped meet? ==================================================================== A peer supporter and the person being helped ("peer") will decide jointly how often to meet. Usually the agreement is to meet for six sessions, which can be renewed after the peer supporter and the client review progress and goals. At that time they will decide if more sessions are needed and if so, how many more sessions will be necessary. Where are sessions held? =================== Sessions may take place physically in agreed upon safe locations or may take place virtually via telephone or videoconferencing. (In the event of public health guidelines re: Covid 19, all sessions would be virtual.) How long is each session? ========================= Generally each session is approximately one hour long and takes place once a week or once every two weeks. This depends on what works best for them. |
| Minimum Duration | More than 1 year |
| Timing | Anytime |
| Time Detail |
Initially, the volunteer is expected to attend 50 hours of training over 8 alternate Saturdays. After successful completion of training, a volunteer is expected to commit to be a Peer Supporter with S.O.A.R. for at least 2 years. |
| Age | 18+ |
| Ideal for | An Individual |
| Area(s) of Interest | Caring Support, Counselling/Conflict |
| Skill(s) | Sensitivity, Empathy, Respect, Ethical Framework |
| How to Apply | |
| Application Link: | |
| Website | https://survivorsofabuserecovering.ca/ |
| Send an Email Message | |
| Contact | Cathy Vey |
| Phone | 902-679-7337 |
| Address | PO Box 105 Kentville, B4N 3B9 |
| Bookmark Link: | |
