Opportunity Information
As the title indicates, we will be sharing Hope Line resources at a Food Bank distribution in New Castle. Don’t forget you are required to have either PFA or CCP trainings (regardless of education or professional licensure). If you are not sure what this means, there’s more information at the bottom of this section about training requirements.
Volunteers who sign up MUST have completed their required trainings and documents through DE TRAIN. The list of trainings can always be found on DPH/EMSPS RespondDE website here (the first table contains required trainings and documents for ALL volunteers). We must verify on our end if you have successfully completed everything.
If you have not completed everything, we will contact you directly to let you know what needs to be completed before you are eligible. If you receive the confirmation message with address and don't hear anything else from the team, you are good to go!
Your Role
Our main function at this time is to distribute Hope Line resources. We will provide appropriate emotional support for responders and volunteers as needed, per your ability, comfort and training only (PFA/referral to resources, see bottom of page for additional information). Please remain flexible when reporting to any DE BEST deployment.
Ideally, we use a “buddy” system. Given this particular layout, a DE BEST buddy is not always available, so it is your responsibility to keep a RespondDE, DOT or Food Bank person in site at all times for safety reasons. If you become uncomfortable with any situation and/or need assistance at any time - GET IT! In addition, we understand the extremity of weather conditions and do not expect nor wish for you to work beyond your capacity. Your health comes first. Please always let us know, and remember report it back when you clock out on the portal.
What to Do the Day Of
In this opportunity, you will report as a DE BEST volunteer to the Food Bank Staff Tent, meet with other volunteers (including some from RespondDE and the Food Bank), attend the Food Bank staff meeting where you will you meet Chad (or “Wes”). You will receive the Hope Line resources and instructions from the DE BEST Site Liaison and then proceed to the end of their loading line – where they load the very last of their food packages. Sometimes, we walk in the lines and distribute, walking car to car – this is determined by the Department of Transportation and the Food Bank.
NOTE: AS ALWAYS IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE SITE, TALK TO THE ON SITE CONTACT CHAD OR "WES" Chad Robinson, 302-270-4391. If you have questions related to DE BEST (deployment, portal, service, supplies, volunteers, etc.), Call Celeste Peart, 302-383-3130.
Things to Consider
Prior to signing up, consider that we typically are standing and/or walking throughout the entire shift. If you need to rest, please bring a chair as the Food Bank no longer consistently provides them. In addition, do not rely on the vendor to provide water and snacks - please bring your own, particularly if you have medical needs. Remember that we are outside. Check the weather, and wear appropriate skin protection/shoes/eye wear/head covering/clothing.
After You Sign Up Today
Once you have signed up for this opportunity, your profile will be reviewed for accuracy. You will be contacted if your profile does not reflect the proper trainings. If you feel the need for more direction, it is your responsibility to contact the Program Manager at 302.383.3130 immediately for more details about your role.
YOUR DEPLOYMENT NOTIFICATIONS AND REPORTING
You will be emailed once your shift has been approved.
A reminder email will be sent the day before your deployment.
A final reminder email will be sent to you at 6:00 AM on the morning of your deployment. NOTE: Remember to clock in/out for your shift using the link sent to email morning of shift.
Important FAQ and Other Information
NO deployment is authorized unless there is a signed Waiver, a signed acknowledgement of Code of Conduct on the volunteer’s SERVDE’s profile, AND all of the required training/s for the role (see below). While all of these are captured here on our portal, we will audit your SERVDE profile under "Trainings" to confirm that all of these have been recorded there as well.
DE BEST Required Trainings
Mental Health Prof/Educator (MHP/E):
Mental Health Professional, and/or
4-year degree related to Human Services, and
Peer Support Position Requirements
Site Liaison:
MHP/E preferred
Peer Support Position Requirements
Previous deployment performance
Peer Support Position:
Psychological First Aid (PFA) Training (available online for free), and/or
Crisis Counseling Program (CCP) Training (SAMHSA's online “Just In Time” or virtual)
