Centre Helps is an agency where all staff have a voice. All staff persons accept responsibility for a hotline/drop-in center shift that is scheduled on a per-semester basis. In addition, staff persons participate in policy development and in the administration of day-to-day tasks. 

Centre Helps has answered the hotline uninterrupted since 1971. Our original mission was to provide alcohol and other drug intervention, information, and education. Over the years, our hotline services have expanded to include: emotional support, crisis and basic needs intervention, answering suicide calls for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and information and referral to community resources. We use an educational model. This means that we provide unbiased, non-judgmental support and education by validating feelings and positively reinforcing self-knowledge and interpersonal skills. With a drop-in center and 24-hour hotline as our foundation, we work to coordinate and deliver services throughout Centre County. We believe in the investment we are making and have benefited from the training and experience that we have received.

To reach commitment, you must:

• Complete our 8-week training program

• Work 340 Hours on the line

  • 4 hours on the hotline each week

  • 1 overnight shift a month

• Complete 24 hours of agency support

Most volunteers fulfill this commitment within 1 year!

Please choose a time to complete this application when you can give it your full attention.

• You will be asked to provide two references (with phone numbers)

• You may comment on work experience

  • You may attach a résumé, if appropriate

Submit Your Application Here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzxvhPXZh8LLXqM4nFMKOPL30upY52tn-_MHqkW8I-t50XHA/viewform?usp=header

• A Hotline Trainer will reach out to you 2-4 weeks before your indicated training class will start to invite you to an interview

The training program is designed to set you up for success on the line, no matter your previous counseling experience.

Training is 8 weeks long and will consist of:

• Two evening classes per week (6:00–10:00 PM)

• Some out-of-class activities

• One weekend of ASSIST training

• Observation hours

After the 8 weeks, there will be 7 weeks of supervised time on the line.

All classes will be held in the evening, from 6pm to 10pm

• Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday

• Includes one weekend session

• Offered for the fall, spring, and summer semesters