EARN A CRISIS COUNSELING CERTIFICATE FROM VICTIM SERVICES

(Macomb, Illinois, January 19, 2022) – Anyone who wants to provide crisis counseling to survivors of abuse in the State of Illinois can earn a Crisis Intervention Training certificate by taking a course taught by Victim Services. The non-credit course, called Crisis Intervention Training, will cover these important topics: the types of domestic and sexual abuse; creating a safety plan; working with child survivors; developing your listening skills; the cycle of violence; and other relevant subjects to help survivors of all ages and backgrounds. 

The certificate is effective for life, and can open doors for people who want to work at an Illinois sexual assault crisis center and/or domestic violence agency or shelter. Those who pass the course will be invited to become a crisis hotline volunteer with Victim Services, but it is not required. 

“Some people who enroll are doing it only for professional development or to be better prepared to help their employees, friends, or family members when they disclose that they were abused,” said Victim Services Public Relations Manager Jamie Roth. “This course is also helpful for college students who are studying law enforcement, counseling, social work, or psychology.”

Per requirements by the State of Illinois, all crisis volunteers must complete special training before they will be allowed to assist survivors. This one-time, one-semester course covers all of the needed materials for volunteers to meet the State of Illinois requirements. 

The 2022 spring semester class will meet in-person on Tuesday and Thursday evenings between 5:00 – 9:00 p.m., unless other arrangements have been made by the instructor. All attendees must wear a facial covering. The first class will be held on Tuesday, February 15, 2022. The location of Victim Services is kept confidential out of concern for the safety of counselors and their clients. Therefore, classes will be held at the main WIRC-CAA office, 133 West Jackson Street, Macomb, Illinois.

The Crisis Intervention Training course is free for students ages 18 and up and $100 for working professionals. Working professionals are considered to be community members who are not actively enrolled in high school or college as a student. Payment can be made by cash or check to Victim Services during the first meeting. 

 

The spring registration deadline is 4:00 p.m., Friday, February 11, 2022. To register, call the Victim Services business line at 309-837-6622 or email victimservices@wirpc.org. 

Victim Services provides free and confidential counseling, medical advocacy, and legal advocacy to survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and/or stalking in western Illinois. The nonprofit agency also provides free counseling to friends and family members of survivors.

If you have experienced or witnessed abuse at any point in your life, Victim Services’ free and confidential crisis hotline is available 24/7 at (309) 837-5555.