Volunteer for Emergency Shelter

The first steps toward recovery begin with your immediate support and genuine attention. 

This will be your job

No two days are the same! When you’re called in for an emergency response, you’ll receive a call asking if you can contact someone by phone within 30 minutes—for example, a witness or a family member of a traffic accident victim, or a victim of a robbery. You’ll act quickly, make the call, and provide initial support. You are there for the victims to bring clarity to a whirlwind of emotions and questions. You provide structure and clarity without taking over—always with the goal of helping someone regain control. You offer people support and a listening ear and assess what is needed at that moment. Thanks to your efforts, people can move forward shortly after a traumatic event. Sometimes a phone call is enough, and sometimes you go on-site to a shelter. In the event of large-scale disasters, you’ll be deployed as part of a team. When you’re on duty, you’re available by phone 24/7.

This is what it's all about

You can make a direct difference in others’ lives and put your skills to use in moments of stress and emotion. The next time you read in the newspaper that Victim Assistance has been called in, it’s about you and your colleagues. Through us, you’ll receive:  

• A customized training program at our locations in Eindhoven and Roermond, where you’ll be prepared for your role through online, in-person, and on-the-job training.
• Guidance from experienced colleagues who will support you as you take your first steps. This way, you can draw on the knowledge and experience of others.
• Access to additional training sessions and workshops to help you continue to grow.

Who are you?

Thanks to your empathy, people feel seen and heard. In addition:

• Are you flexible enough to drop everything and spring into action the moment your help is needed?
• Are you able to remain calm and keep a clear head in high-pressure situations; 
• Are you a good listener and do you have strong communication skills when interacting with partners in the care chain and victims who have just gone through a traumatic experience?
• Are you available at least twice a month to be scheduled for the 24-hour on-call duty for emergency care?

Do you have any questions?

Please contact Beatrice Cremers, team leader for follow-up assistance, at b.cremers@slachtofferhulp.nl

This is us

At Victim Support Netherlands, we support people every day who have been affected by a crime, a traffic accident, a disaster, or another traumatic event. We offer emotional support, practical assistance, and legal guidance, always with a personal and compassionate approach. Additionally, Victim Support Netherlands is an emergency response organization. Partners in the response chain, such as the police, can reach our organization 24/7 to request emergency support for victims within the first 24 hours following an incident. As an employee, you are part of a professional and people-centered organization. Here, teamwork, meaningful work, and social impact are central. Together, we are building a safer and more just society.

As an employer, Victim Support Netherlands strives for balanced representation in terms of knowledge, experience, age, gender, and background. When you start working with us, we’ll ask you to apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct. We’ll handle the application process, and you can submit a reimbursement claim for the costs.