How to become an ASSC Volunteer

Open Night

Our open night is the first introduction a volunteer will have with A.S.S.C. During the evening, members from the A.S.S.C. team will introduce new applicants to A.S.S.C. and A.S.S.C. services. It will provide prospective applicants with a chance to see the steps involved in becoming an onsite volunteer. It allows applicants to ask any questions, better understand the recruitment process, and meet the team of course!

Application Process

Applicants who are interested to train as a volunteer are invited to fill out an application form and forward a C.V, with a cover letter, to volunteercoordinator@assc.ie.  Following the completion of an application form, interview dates are arranged.

Interview

All applicants are interviewed by a member of A.S.S.C. Following the interview, applicants are informed via email of the interview outcome. If successful, the next step is training. Applicants will not be awarded a post until completion of a two-weekend training program and after a reflective/closing interview is carried out.

Training Course

A.S.S.C training courses take place over two weekends for the onsite volunteers. This training usually takes place from approximately 10 am-3.30 pm on both Saturdays and Sundays. One or two other evenings will be scheduled for training, specifically on forensic and/or court material.

Reflective/Closing Interview

This is an opportunity for you to personally reflect on your training journey. As well as to feedback and reflect on positives, concerns, or questions regarding the role and any issues that arose during training. It is also when you receive constructive feedback from your trainers. This is when a decision will be made on your progress moving forward.

Reference Check

If applicants are successful after their reflective/closing interview. They can progress to the final stage. Here they will be asked for two references which will be checked.

Garda Vetting

All applicants will be asked to undergo Garda Vetting in line with current legislation. We supply all relevant forms which we ask to be returned completed with relevant I.D attached. All documentation will be processed by A.S.S.C.’s Garda vetting officer. A.S.S.C. Garda vetting body is Dublin City volunteers.

Signing Recruitment Documentation

After closing interviews, all applicants must sign A.S.S.C.’s documents agreeing to comply with Child Protection, Data Protection, Confidentiality, Supervision, and ongoing training.

All recruitment documentation is held securely for one year, in accordance with  relevant legislation and  GDPR compliance.

The training provided to our volunteers is extensive. It gives our volunteers all the tools they need to meet a family “on the ground” with compassion and understanding. They will learn how to provide a client-led service, which keeps the young person at the forefront of the criminal justice process. Helping them to understand their rights and express their views. All the time upholding the professionals working with the young person and never undermining the processes involved.

Please see the modules covered below:

A.S.S.C. & Service Provision

Child Sexual Abuse and Dynamics of

Sexualised Behaviour

Grooming

Understanding the Emotions of Trauma

Dealing with the Dynamics of Child Sexual Abuse “on the ground”

A.S.S.C. Comms Procedures

Skills & tools needed for onsite accompaniment

Self-Care

Empathy & Active Listening Skills

Boundaries – Professional & Personal

Case Studies & Role Plays

Forensic Onsite Support for Galway & Dublin

Once Garda vetting is completed, volunteers will be sent a 3-month rota to provide their availability. Forensic accompaniment officer volunteers will be asked to work 4 shifts per month. Forensic accompaniment officers will only attend the unit for the time required while the child and family attend, however they must be available for the entirety of their shift. Volunteers may be given advanced notice to attend the unit or, in acute cases, may be given an hours’ notice. It may be very unlikely that a volunteer would be called in for all their allocated shifts.

The Rota for the forensic units operates 24 hours, 365 days per year.

Court Onsite Support for Galway & Dublin

The Dublin Court Accompaniment volunteers will also be asked to complete a monthly rota for their availability. Court accompaniment onsite volunteers will also be asked to work 4 shifts per month. Volunteers will be onsite in the court for the duration of their shift. Alternatively, a full day’s work in court would constitute 2 shifts. It is very unlikely that a volunteer would be called in for all their allocated shifts.

The Rota for court operates daily during an academic calendar per year.

If you are interested in volunteering with A.S.S.C or have any queries, please contact volunteercoordinator@assc.ie