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Volunteer & Internships

Help Others Find Hope

Portland area adults (age 21 and over) can receive extensive training to volunteer or intern in person at Lines for Life (no remote opportunities available at this time). Volunteers and interns answer calls from a variety of our core lines, including:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  • YouthLine
  • Alcohol & Drug Helpline
  • Military Helpline
  • Senior Loneliness Line

Our volunteers:

  • Are trained to compassionately and confidently support callers dealing with issues like thoughts of suicide, substance use, mental health concerns, and general wellbeing.
  • Come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences – many are looking for hands on clinical experience while they pursue certifications and degrees.
  • Have an empathetic and non-judgmental attitude, emotional intelligence, and the ability to make a long-term commitment.

In 2023, our call center answered over 148,000 calls. We could not support this many people without the generous commitment of volunteers like you!

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“The service we provide by taking calls seems to me the greatest gift one can give. I do other volunteer work, but this is caring at the most personal level, and keeps me coming back.”

Lines for Life Volunteer

Looking for Hands on Clinical Experience?

Why Volunteer with Us?

Serving at Lines for Life is a rich, meaningful experience in a highly supportive environment.
Our volunteers and interns come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. They bring an empathetic and non-judgmental attitude, emotional intelligence, and the ability to make a long-term commitment.

A Challenging and Inspiring Commitment

Our VOLUNTEERS commit to:

  • Extensive training – over 60 hours of professional skills training and practice.
  • A minimum of 200 hours answering calls – that’s one 4-hour shift per week for a year (many volunteers stay beyond the initial commitment).

Our INTERNS commit to:

  • Extensive training – over 60 hours of professional skills training and practice.
  • A minimum of 6 months answering calls, typically 12-16 hours per week over 2 shifts.

Personal and Professional Rewards

Once training is complete and service has begun, our volunteers and interns get hands on experience delivering life changing support to people in crisis.

As a volunteer or intern, you’ll have:

  • New skills and hands on experience that apply across a range of professions and situations.
  • Ongoing support, monitoring, and real-time coaching while answering calls.
  • Field supervision from qualified employees (primarily for BSW, MSW students).
  • Experience hours toward QMHA certification.
  • Up to 600 CADC I certification hours with supervision.
  • Access to ongoing trainings, including QPR, MHFA, and ASIST.
  • Invitations to community gatherings and wellness opportunities.

Serving at Lines for Life is rewarding and fulfilling. Many volunteers and interns emerge as strong candidates for graduate studies or professional positions in behavioral health fields.

“Having access to a clinical skills trainer and call monitoring sessions is extremely useful and has helped me hone some of my interpersonal skills & crisis intervention skills. I am also grateful for opportunities to participate in trainings for free or at a reduced rate.”

Lines for Life Volunteer

Is Serving at Lines for Life Right for You?

We encourage you to review these frequently asked questions to determine if becoming a Crisis Lines Volunteer or Intern is right for you.

Am I eligible to volunteer/intern?

To become a Crisis Lines Volunteer/Intern, you must be:

  • Age 21+ (Under 21? Consider volunteering with YouthLine!)
  • Local and able to commute to our Portland call center
  • Ready to commit to 200-hours of service
  • Comfortable and efficient with technology
  • Able to complete all onboarding and training requirements
  • Ready to start service immediately upon completing training
  • (Interns only) Affiliated and in good standing with an academic institution

To confirm this is the right opportunity for you, please watch this 10-minute video.

When is the next volunteer/intern training?

The next volunteer/intern trainings are:

To attend a training, you must complete all application and all onboarding steps (see “What steps must I take to become a volunteer/intern?” below).

What if I can’t commit to serving right now but hope to in the future?

We only accept volunteer and internship applications at specific times throughout the year. If the application period is not currently open, sign up for our interest list to receive email notifications when we’re accepting applications and onboarding new volunteers and interns.

What steps must I take to become a volunteer/intern?

To become a Crisis Lines Volunteer or Intern, you must complete the following steps:

  • Step 1: Watch orientation video and read all important details on this webpage.
  • Step 2: Complete the VOLUNTEER or INTERNSHIP application.
  • Step 3: Complete a technology assessment (included in application & post-app email).
  • Step 4: Schedule an interview (included in application and post-app email).
  • Step 5: Pass a background check ($35 fee; can be waived for interns and financial hardship). If you have concerns about your record, apply early to ensure results are received prior to training.
  • Step 6: Complete, review, and sign onboarding paperwork (post-interview).
  • Step 7: Complete all classroom training (virtual & in-office), independent learning tasks, and two 4-hour practice shifts (in-office).
  • Step 8: Sign up for regularly scheduled volunteer shifts.

What does the training look like?

The minimum total volunteer/intern training time is 40 hours; however, full training can require more time.
Crisis line training follows a hybrid format, with both virtual and in-office sessions.

Trainees are required to attend:

  • Classroom training (~28 hours virtual & in-office)
  • Independent learning tasks (30+ hours)
  • Practice shifts (2 shifts of 4 hours each, in-office)

Training requires many hours of independent learning online in addition to the scheduled classroom curriculum – so expect to have homework!

Once trained, what are the current shifts available?

Shift availability varies, but in general, we offer the following 4-hour shifts to volunteers each week. Interns typically commit to 12-16 hours per week over 2 longer shifts.

Shifts are subject to change due to call volume and staffing needs.

Volunteer Program Shifts

What does a typical shift look like?

When you arrive for your shift, you’ll:

  • Check in
  • Set up your workstation
  • Answer calls and submit documentation (volunteers use our computerized call management and reporting systems)
  • Self-care – ongoing!

What if I know someone who would be great at this?

Have colleagues or friends who would be great at this? We’d love your help spreading the word about this opportunity. Feel free to share this webpage or this printable flyer with your networks!

Ready to Get Started?

If becoming a Crisis Line Volunteer or Intern is right for you, take the next step today!

Become a Volunteer

Not quite ready or can’t attend ALL days/hours of our upcoming training, STAY IN TOUCH!

Previous applicants: If you applied but haven’t completed training, email us for next steps.

Become an Intern

Not quite ready or can’t attend ALL days/hours of our upcoming training, STAY IN TOUCH!

If you have any further questions about how to get involved, contact our Volunteer Coordination team at [email protected].

“Volunteering matters to me both personally and professionally. I gain a lot of value personally, for being helpful to others and supporting a great organization. Professionally, I have learned so much through the training process and continue to learn during calls and with follow up feedback.”

Lines for Life Volunteer