Opportunities From: Hands On Asheville-Buncombe

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 CallsBe 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