Being a TIP Volunteer is a way of making an immediate difference in a person’s life. TIP Volunteers are called upon to support someone at the very worst time in their lives. Being a TIP Volunteer is not easy, but it is rewarding.
TIP fills a critical void in the services being provided by emergency personnel by allowing for total client care. TIP is available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, to arrive at the scene of a tragedy within twenty minutes of being called. TIP provides assistance to survivors and families within the first few hours of an incident. We provide ‘emotional first aid’ and serve as a liaison with emergency workers.
For example, TIP might assist a child left alone after the death or injury of a parent; provide emotional support to children who witness tragic events; help an elderly person after the death of a spouse; assist a tourist who experienced a tragedy while away from home; console parents after the death of a child; help employees after a tragedy in the workplace; assist survivors of suicide or emotionally shaken survivors of auto accidents or even of a crime.
Make a Difference
What to Expect
Over a 2 week period, you will go through an intense 55 hour training by certified TIP National Trainers on Emotional First Aid and Practical Care Support. After completion, volunteers enter into a 3-Month Field Training Program where each trainee is paired up with a veteran volunteer. After the completion of the field training program, trainees graduate as TIP Volunteers. This ensures that all volunteers are well prepared and ready to respond to 911 Emergency Calls with confidence and assurance.
Requirements:
Potential Volunteers understand and must:
Provide a $45.00 registration and materials fee.
Have a valid driver's license with working vehicle and cell phone.
Be a current resident in Western North Carolina.
Maintain a working cell phone, internet access and an email account (you must have frequent access to internet and email to be a Volunteer).
Have a personal GPS Navigation System for routing to calls.
Attend mandatory monthly CE Meetings which are held the 3rd Monday of each month.
Complete fingerprinting and criminal background investigation.
Provide a DMV driving record printout (available online through each State’s website).
Provide a copy of auto insurance Declarations Page reflecting current coverage.
Be scheduled for 3 "on call" shifts per month for 12 hours each shift, 7 am -7 pm or 7 pm -7 am. You provide your availability for the month and 3 of those dates are scheduled for your shifts.
Training Academy
TIP Affiliates across the nation conduct Training Academies designed to equip local residents to be TIP Volunteers. The Academy is a 55-hour course which residents interested in joining TIP must complete. The Academy is taught by National Trainers, emergency responders, survivors and local TIP Volunteers. It covers the following topics:
• Understanding Survivors
• Emotional First Aid
• Working Effectively in the Emergency System
• Helping family members after a death in the family
• Safety and Street Smarts
• TIP Policies and Procedures
The Training Academy utilizes a variety of teaching methods including lecture, audio-visual, role playing, guest speakers, demonstrations, mentoring, and ride alongs .
Interested in becoming a TIP Volunteer?
Please complete the form or give us a call @ 828-513-0498 to register. We will reach out when we have scheduled our next training academy.
Next Training dates to be announced.
Location will be announced.
