Turning volunteers into life-saving crisis counselors
Our crisis counselors are trained to respond to calls, chats, or texts from vulnerable Key Populations who reach out on our free, confidential, and secure 24/7 service. They provide compassionate support for individuals facing challenges related to identity, mental health struggles, and crises such as depression and suicide.
Contact usHow we channel passion into protocol.
We equip our counselors to effectively handle diverse situations that may arise in our crisis services. Through comprehensive training, they learn to embody our Core Values, adhere to our Counseling Principles, and apply essential Counseling Skills with empathy and professionalism.
40 hours of virtual training over 10 weeks.
Throughout counselor training, volunteers will cover topics including counseling skills, understanding Key Populations, our Support Model (the structure of a conversation within our crisis services), and relevant policies and procedures. This training prepares them to provide effective support to individuals in crisis.
Building proficiency in chat, text, and call support software for effective, confidential, and responsive communication at SSENS.
Throughout the crisis counselor training process, trainees will become familiar with SSENS's specialized tools and technology, designed to provide discreet and effective support for youth in crisis.
Train to be a SSENS Support Counselor
Future counselors are selected based on their dedication and commitment to SSENS’s mission. While a national ID is not required to become a crisis counselor at SSENS, there are a few essential requirements.
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- Volunteers participate in a comprehensive training program focused on trauma support and competency in working with Uganda’s vulnerable Key Populations, offering skills that exceed those provided by similar organizations.
- Ability to commit to a minimum of one year, with one three-hour shift per week.
- Successfully pass a background check.
- Access to a personal computer and a private, confidential space for conducting virtual sessions and completing training modules.