The Sonshine CareLine aims to be a contemporary reflection of Christ by packaging his love and compassion within the context of a patient, listening human ear - the CareLine volunteer.

The CareLine provides a non-threatening environment where people can talk about all aspects of life without fear or prejudice. CareLine volunteers use basic counselling skills to offer the caller an opportunity to be heard and understood, and where appropriate, explore choices and options to effect a change of lifestyle.

The CareLine is a core element in the mission of 98.5 Sonshine FM: to present Christ's gospel as a desirable alternative lifestyle in modern society, and is often the first point of contact for the caller with a professing Christian.

CareLine Volunteers Job Description

CareLine volunteers undertake to fulfill the requirements and commitments set out below:

1. To complete a ten week training course to provide the applicant with relevant skills to assist a caller in expressing their feelings / needs. This course is run by 98.5 Sonshine FM, with the station covering costs involved.

2. To provide a compassionate and listening ear for people who call in, who often simply need someone to talk to.

3. To become familiar with the database which provides points of reference for on-going professional counselling for specific needs, so they can provide any necessary referrals (as requested by the caller).

4. During the shift, complete the caller information sheet, which is then used by the CareLine manager for debriefing and statistical purposes.

5. To be available to complete two separate three to four hour shifts per month as CareLine volunteers.

CareLine Volunteers - Qualifications / Pre-requisites

1. Applicant to be over twenty five years of age.

2. Have a clear commitment to the Christian faith and be in regular attendance at a local church.

3. Have a willingness to listen.

4. Be in reasonable physical and emotional health.*

5. Have successfully completed the ten week training course and selection interview with the management committee.

6. Be able to work un-supervised, and as part of a larger team ministry.

7. Be able to fulfill the commitments as set out in the job description.

*Most people who want to be involved in this kind of helping role do so because they care about others and want to help them. It is important to recognize however, that even if this is the primary motivation, you will be satisfying some of your own needs. It is therefore important to be aware of your motivation and the needs you are personally hoping to satisfy.

Whilst people with painful life experience will often make very good helpers it is necessary to be emotionally stable and have the ability to effectively deal with personal emotional issues as they arise. People who are current regular users of our service or other telephone counseling services would normally be deemed to be inappropriate candidates.

Training

The CareLine training course is held at the station, (Murray St, Como, Western Australia), over ten consecutive weekday nights, (usually Wednesday nights), between 6.30pm and 9.30pm (WST). Entrance to the course is by application and interview. Applicants are required to obtain a reference from their minister / pastor / church member.

The skills training component of the course will cover the following areas:

• The rules of communication
• The communication process
• Basic attending skills
• The use of questions
• Managing content
• Managing feelings
• Summarizing and closure

At the end of the training program participants should be able to:

• Have an understanding of the elements of human communication
• Have an awareness of themselves as communicators
• Have an understanding of the interpersonal communication process
• Conduct a telephone counselling session
• Assess the immediate needs of a caller
• Make an appropriate referral if required

The next stage of training is a probationary period of 4 rostered shifts, in the CareLine room, working with more experienced volunteers. Your performance will then be reviewed by the CareLine manager before you are placed on the roster in a 'solo' capacity.

Ongoing training and supervision is offered. The CareLine manager is also on-call for immediate call debriefing if required.

Summary

If you can satisfy the job commitments and job pre-requisites you are welcome to apply. An application form can be requested by emailing Lynda McNulty. The application form will require a reference from your pastor or minister. Receipt of your application will be acknowledged and you will be given an indication of your position on the next available course.