Make a real difference in people’s lives? Join a team of staff and volunteers who value all people, regardless of their situation in life?
Boost your professional repertoire by increasing your awareness of social services, ability to manage multiple tasks, as well as interviewing and documentation skills?
If you are interested, please email volunteercoord@211bigbend.org.
Teams Information & Interview Session
Session 1- January 14th (7pm to 9:30pm), Microsoft Teams
Session 2- January 16th (7pm to 9:30pm), Microsoft Teams
Session 3- January 21st (7pm to 9:30pm), Microsoft Teams
Session 4- January 23rd (7pm to 9:30pm), Microsoft Teams
Application deadline is January 17, 2025.
Applications submitted after this date will be considered for Summer 2025.
Provide free, short-term crisis counseling and referrals for Helpline 211 and Lifeline, and can receive additional training to answer the HIV/AIDS Hotline and Family Health Line.
Training is offered three times each year, typically beginning in January, May, and September. Volunteer Hotline Counselor Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Click apply now if you are interested in becoming a program volunteer anytime!
211 Big Bend helped prepare me for my career as a therapist more than any class I have taken. The opportunity to learn to communicate and connect with others provided a foundation for my skill set that I use every day in my profession!”
“211 helped prepare me for my job at a behavioral healthcare center more than my four years as a psychology student. It was a great experience that has taught me how to truly listen and help people help themselves.”
“211 Big Bend helped me discover what it really means to listen… to refrain from giving advice or feeling compelled to solve another’s problems. It has made all the difference in my relationships at home, at work, and in the community.”
211 Big Bend relies on the support of dedicated volunteers to keep our hotlines fully staffed. We are proud to have one of the most comprehensive hotline counselor training programs in the nation.
Personal Rewards
• Make a difference in people’s lives, one call at a time
• Personal growth, improved interpersonal skills
• A greater understanding of self & the experiences of others
• Meaningful relationships & networking opportunities
• A supportive environment of staff & volunteers
Professional & Academic Rewards
• Internship, work-study, & course credit upon approval
• Experience providing direct service assisting with a variety of needs and concerns
• Extensive awareness about community resources and services
• Opportunities for paid employment
• Letters of recommendation from supervisory staff upon completing the 200-hour commitment
Training to answer a hotline can be intense and demanding, but the 211 Big Bend team is here to support and work alongside you!
211 Big Bend operates out of a confidential location for the safety of our counselors and the confidential information we interact with. If you are accepted to attend training, you will sign a Confidentiality Agreement and be provided the address. Currently, remote work
opportunities are available to volunteers.
Nope! Work or volunteer experience is helpful, but not necessary. We look for individuals who display empathy, a willingness to learn, resourcefulness, and non-judgmental attitudes.
Yes, this helps us get a feel for someone’s attitudes and motivations related to telephone counseling and helping people in need. You will be also asked to provide contact information for three personal and/or professional references.
A diverse group of adults (18+) living in the Tallahassee area, representing a range of occupations, interests, and backgrounds. A significant number are students training to enter human service professions. We also make a special effort to recruit bilingual individuals who can talk directly with native Haitian-Creole or Spanish speakers.
18+ hours per month with a flexible schedule.
Coordinator of Volunteers
volunteercoord@211bigbend.org
Phone (850) 617-6309
Fax (850) 561-3443
2-1-1 Big Bend partners with the following organizations:
211 Big Bend is accredited by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) and the American Association of Suicidology (AAS.)