First-contact volunteer

This will be your job

Support, understanding, and genuine attention. You offer these to people who have recently gone through a traumatic experience. As their first point of contact, you provide them with comfort and clarity. You call victims to check in on them. You assess what they need. Or you simply listen as they open up. 

Sometimes, just one phone call with you is all it takes for people to get back to their daily lives. If they need more help, you explain what options are available, which organizations and agencies can assist them, and what they can expect in the coming period. You serve as a guide during a confusing time. 

This is what it's all about

You have a natural interest in people and find fulfillment in helping others. You are very patient and a good listener. Thanks to your empathy, people feel seen and heard. In addition: 

• Are you a practical person who thinks in terms of solutions? 
• Do you speak and write Dutch well? 
• You’re comfortable working with a computer and pick up new programs quickly. 
• Are you available for at least four hours a week to help others? 

This is you

You have a natural interest in people and find fulfillment in helping others. You are very patient and a good listener. Thanks to your empathy, people feel seen and heard. In addition: 

• Are you a practical person who thinks in terms of solutions? 
• Do you speak and write Dutch well? 
• You’re comfortable working with a computer and pick up new programs quickly. 
• Are you available for at least four hours a week to help others? 

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. As an employee, you’ll be part of a professional and people-centered organization. Here, teamwork, meaningful work, and social impact are central. Together, we’re building a safer and more just society.

If you join us, we’ll ask you to apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct.

Locations

• Alkmaar
  
• Alphen aan den Rijn
  
• Amersfoort
  
• Amsterdam
  
• Arnhem
  
• Breda
  
• Den Bosch
  
• The Hague
  
• Eindhoven
  
• Groningen
  
• Haarlem
  
• Leeuwarden
  
• Nijmegen
  
• Roermond
  
• Rotterdam
  
• Utrecht
  
• Zutphen

This way, you can get started with confidence

1. Learning Path

You’ll start the job well-prepared. Before you begin, you’ll complete a comprehensive training program—both in-person and online—totaling 36 hours. During this program, you’ll learn, among other things, how to communicate with victims. The training is tailored to your experience and knowledge level; no specific prior education is required.

2. Guidance

You’ll receive ongoing guidance from experienced colleagues—your mentors. They’re there to support you. For example, when you call a victim for the first time.

3. Experienced team

You’ll be working in a team of volunteers and paid staff—colleagues you can always count on.

4. Continuing education and training

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to develop your skills. At our own Victim Support Academy, we offer a variety of training courses and workshops—ranging from communication techniques to victims’ rights—at all levels, from beginner to advanced.