Hotline Training

Volunteer Training is offered three times each year, typically beginning in January, May, and September. Classroom and phone room training typically last between nine and ten weeks. Volunteer trainees then begin a series of supervised shifts to become cleared counselors.

2-1-1 Big Bend is proud to have one of the most comprehensive hotline counselor training programs in the nation. You do not need prior experience in counseling to volunteer with 2-1-1 Big Bend.

Our training consists of three main parts:

• classroom training
• phone room training
• supervised phone shifts

Training begins with approximately 45 hours of classroom instruction. The skills and procedures to handle different types of calls are taught through lecture, guided imagery, model role-plays, interactive exercises and games.

Examples of topics covered in training are:

• active listening
• domestic and sexual violence
• suicide
• psychosis
• substance abuse
• HIV/AIDS

Trainees have frequent opportunities to practice their skills and receive feedback through participation in small-group, role-play call scenarios.

In conjunction with the classroom training, each trainee schedules 12-15 hours of phone room training. During this time, the trainee becomes acquainted with our information resources and referral database.

Upon completing both classroom and phone room training, trainees answer the hotlines under the direct supervision of experienced counselors until ready to work independently.

If you live in the Tallahassee area and think you may be interested in volunteering with 2-1-1 Big Bend, please submit the online volunteer information request form, or call our Coordinator of Volunteers at (850) 617-6309.

Current Hotline Training Schedule