By Brea Kleine
Domestic Abuse Intervention Services
As a volunteer with Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS), you have the opportunity to work directly with victims in crisis and their children. These positions require a 26-hour New Advocate Training, in addition to program-specific training and observations.
DAIS is currently recruiting for several volunteer positions (especially Help Line volunteers). Applications are due by Aug. 7 for our August training. The next round of volunteer training will be held in January. Position descriptions, the application and the training schedules can be found on our website (abuseintervention.org, hover over “I want to help” and click “Volunteer”).
Below are the descriptions of each client-based opportunity at DAIS.
Children’s Advocate: Children of all ages are involved in both structured and free play through the DAIS Children’s Program. Volunteers help lead group activities, as well as assist individual children. Currently looking for all shifts
Help Line Advocate: Volunteers are trained to answer the 24-hour DAIS Help Line. Calls from survivors, concerned family and friends, other health/service professionals, and staff from other organizations are typical. Currently looking for all shifts, with high need for evenings and weekends
Shelter Chef: Volunteer chefs work together to cook and serve dinner once a week to shelter clients and families in the DAIS kitchen and shelter, in addition to dishes and cleanup after dinner.
Support Group Advocate: Advocates provide support, community referrals, referrals to other DAIS services, and safety tips through facilitation of these support groups. Currently looking for all shifts
Court Watch Program Volunteer: Volunteers are responsible for attending and collecting data from restraining order injunctions at the Dane County Courthouse. Must be available Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays during the day
If you are interested in any of these volunteer positions, please fill out the Client-Based Volunteer Application Form.
Because client-based volunteers work directly with survivors of domestic violence, there is a thorough 25-hour New Advocate Training required prior to working in those positions to prepare you for your role. While our policy states that you are allowed to miss one day of training, Saturday, Aug. 17, is a mandatory day because it provides all basic information and is the foundation for the following training sessions. With your permission, DAIS will conduct a criminal background check and contact three references.
DAIS staff will be in contact with you to set up an interview with the coordinator in charge of the program you are interested in and to answer any questions.