As a volunteer with TIP of Western North Carolina (TIP of WNC), you provide immediate emotional and practical support to individuals and families who have experienced a traumatic event by providing a calm presence and connecting survivors with community resources. Volunteers serve alongside first responders, helping survivors begin to cope during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Core Responsibilities
- Respond to Crisis Calls
- Be available for assigned on-call shifts.
- Respond promptly when dispatched to a scene.
- Arrive prepared to provide calm, compassionate support.
Provide Emotional Support
- Listen without judgment.
- Offer comfort and reassurance.
- Help survivors process immediate reactions to trauma.
- Remain calm and supportive during highly emotional situations.
Support Survivors' Immediate Needs
- Assist with contacting family members or support systems.
- Help connect survivors with community resources.
- Provide the TIP Community Resource Guide when appropriate.
- Offer practical assistance, such as helping organize immediate next steps.
Work Alongside First Responders
- Collaborate respectfully with law enforcement, fire personnel, EMS, hospitals, and other agencies.
- Follow the direction of the incident commander or responding agency.
- Maintain professionalism while on scene.
TIP 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 that 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
Volunteer 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, within the service area: Buncombe & Henderson Counties.
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. (Smart Phone)
Attend mandatory monthly CE Meetings which are held the 3rd Monday of each month.
Complete a 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.
To sign up for this volunteer opportunity, simply
Click the blue "respond" button above to secure your spot and receive next-step instructions from our organization
Please DO NOT SHOW UP IF YOU DID NOT RESPOND!
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is not responsible for opportunities managed by partner agencies. If you are onsite at a volunteer opportunity and don't feel safety guidelines are being followed, please connect with onsite project organizers and if not addressed, please let us know by emailing info@handsonasheville.org
