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Volunteer FAQs
What are the qualifications to become a Network of Strength peer counselor?
What is Network of Strength certification?
What will the training be like?
Who developed the certification training?
Who developed the certification exam?
What is the required commitment for on-call peer counselors?
What is the required commitment for match peer counselors?
When are on-call peer counselors trained on Network of Strength's IP telephone system?
What type of computer systems do you require?
How will I benefit from becoming a Network of Strength on-call peer counselor?
What are the qualifications to become a Network of Strength peer counselor?
To be a Network of Strength peer counselor, you must have been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. Treatment must have been completed at least one year ago. After an initial screening process, you must pass the certification process (two-day training and shadowing). There are two types of peer counselors: "on-call" and "match."
• An "on-call" peer counselor answers incoming hotline calls, provides information and resource assistance as needed, takes wig and prosthesis requests and creates or updates the caller’s database record. An on-call peer counselor lends 24/7 real-time support to callers either at an Affiliate office or from your home with special computer and telephone equipment that Network of Strength will provide. Adhering to Hotline Standards (including, but not limited to a 20 hour/month commitment and checking e-mail daily) and having high speed Internet access are requirements for all on-call peer counselors.
• A "match" peer counselor provides specific, personal experience at a convenient time. Match peer counselors must return calls to Hotline callers within 48 hours of the request. No special computer equipment is needed to be a match peer counselor, but e-mail and Internet access is required.
What is Network of Strength certification?
All Network of Strength peer counselors, both match and on-call, must go through the same certification process. The certification consists of attending a two-day classroom training program, passing a closed book online examination and shadowing an experienced peer counselor. On-call peer counselors also go through training to become proficient with our state of the art telephony and database systems.
What will the training be like?
Network of Strength National staff leads the mandatory training session that takes two full days and consists of lectures, discussion and role-plays. Three medical sections cover basic breast anatomy, staging, diagnosis, treatment, side effects and reconstruction options; effective communication; dealing with emotions; and sensitivity. The training includes a discussion of what the peer counselor role is and a brief overview of the Network of Strength Support Center database and software.
Who developed the certification training?
Two professional trainers, both breast cancer survivors, developed the training. This material was reviewed by a seven-member expert panel of medical professionals (Larry Norton, M.D.; Susan Love, M.D.; Vladimir Lange, M.D.; Jimmie Holland, M.D.; Linda Seligman, Ph.D., L.P.C.; Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S.; and Molly Mead, Ed.D, M.B.A.) and critiqued by several experienced peer counselors who participated in three pilot sessions.
Who developed the certification exam?
With the guidance of outside consultants, exam questions were written by experienced peer counselors, based on information presented in the training and on actual calls. The exam was field-tested and each question was analyzed by our consultants for validity and reliability. Our expert panel has also reviewed the exam.
What is the commitment for on-call peer counselors?
A commitment of 20 hours/month is required, along with checking e-mail daily and staying up to date on important breast cancer news, changes and additions to Network of Strength's Support Center system. Adhering to Hotline Standards, maintaining certification through continuing education yearly, and following Hotline call center metrics is also required.
What is the commitment for match peer counselors?
Match peer counselors must commit to checking e-mail for match requests every 24 hours in order to fulfill our 48-hour commitment to callers. Adhering to Hotline Standards is also required.
When are on-call peer counselors trained on the IP telephone system?
After passing the exam, you will be notified via e-mail about the next steps of the training process. You will be required to fill out Network of Strength's IT department form about your at-home computer equipment and schedule sessions to shadow Network of Strength peer cousnelors on Hotline calls. After the shadowing process is complete, the Network of Strength IP phone, pre-programmed firewall and headset will be sent to you via UPS. Peer counselors will be contacted to schedule an installation appointment with Network of Strength’s IT department.
What type of computer systems do you support?
Our equipment requires the following operating systems: Windows 2000, XP Home or XP Professional. A cable modem or DSL Internet connection is also required. We do not support MAC computers, Windows 98, dial-up Internet connection or wireless connection in any capacity.
How will I benefit from becoming a Network of Strength on-call peer counselor?
As a Network of Strength peer counselor you will benefit by:
• Doing your part to ensure no one faces breast cancer alone
• Being part of an organization that provides supports to people whose lives are impacted by breast cancer
• Being kept apprised of cutting edge research, technology and breast health information affecting breast cancer patients;
• Receiving up to $30 from Network of Strength toward your high-speed Internet connection, if you volunteer at least 24 hours per month
• Being part of our Volunteer Recognition Award Program, Pink Ribbon Points, that acknowledges peer counselors for their dedicated work
To learn more about the screening process, the program and to volunteer with Network of Strength, please contact Network of Strength National's Hotline Volunteer Manager at kbonen@networkofstrength.org.