Volunteering
Since 1991, Switchboard has undertaken intensive training courses which it prides itself on to provide a high-quality, peer-based telephone counselling, information and referral service to Victoria and Tasmania’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and transgendered communities.
After completing your web inquiry online an application will be forwarded to you to complete which we ask you to complete and return to our office and which will be kept on file until the next suitable training course is conducted. You will be notified throughout the year of any training courses and your application will be considered accordingly. If you would like to update your application form you can do this also by re-submitted a new one. Because of the peer-based nature of the service, people must identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender to be eligible for selection. Applications from people of non-Anglo background and women are strongly encouraged.
Once the training course dates have been determined and if successful based on your application you will be invited to attend a Selection Day. This day is filled with activities, discussions and an engagement with Switchboard trainers and other applicants. The day introduces you to Switchboard and the commitment expected of your throughout the training course and once you have joined the organisation and feedback will be provided to you throughout the day. Remember Switchboard may not be the organisation for you and this day will hopefully help you determine this.
Desirable attributes for becoming a counsellor include willingness to:
· learn and change;
· challenge one's own beliefs and assumptions;
· understand one's own subjectivity;
· recognise that one cannot "solve" or "fix" other people's problems but can support others to come to solutions themselves and support decisions that they make;
· be understanding and informed about particular issues that may affect different groups within the community.
After the Selection Day you will be contacted by the Training Co-Ordinator or one of the trainers to discuss your experience of the day and whether you feel Switchboard is the organisation for you and vice versa. Once this has been established you will be invited to attend the training course.
Switchboard offers training courses for persons with no prior counselling experience but is happy to include those with professional qualifications in the industry. The course involves training to deal with various aspects and issues associated within the community such as coming out, transgender and domestic violence. Many different training techniques are used including various group activities, role-plays involving potential counselling experiences and exercises exploring perceptions about different issues.
The training is challenging and may require you to step outside of your comfort zone. Ultimately, it is also very rewarding as it can teach you a lot about yourself as well as providing a solid grounding and understanding of various issues affecting our community. Friendships and support networks are often forged through the training course. Making a regular long-term commitment to volunteer as a counsellor for Switchboard can be challenging, emotionally demanding and sometimes frustrating. It can also be quite an isolated commitment. Switchboard believes in providing support for all Counsellors and as such support systems are in place.
An integral component of Switchboard is fundraising and Counsellors are always invited to several activities organized each year including film and trivia nights.
Counsellors are also encouraged to attend Professional Development throughout the year which is provided by Switchboard and at times undertaken by external providers.
Switchboard is overseen by a Committee of Management which meets regularly to discuss operational and other issues. All Counsellors are able to join the Committee after having been part of Switchboard for at least a year and elections to the Committee occur at the Annual General Meeting.
To Volunteer:
If you would like to become a Switchboard volunteer counsellor please complete our on-line web inquiry.