Become a VST Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Human Services Department's Victim Support Team (VST). VST volunteers are a vital part of the City of Seattle’s response to violence. Volunteers provide compassionate and non-judgmental support to survivors of violence and their loved ones during a critical time of need. 

VST has a competitive selection process. Recruitment takes place in the spring of each year, and participants undergo 50 hours of training before beginning to meet with survivors.

APPLICATIONS OPEN SOON

Applications open April 15 and close May 29, 2026. Prospective volunteers must be 21+ at the time of application Full acceptance is conditional pending a Seattle Police Department background check. 

1. Click to open the VST Volunteer Application (check back for link on April 15). Please read the instructions carefully before you begin.
2. Ensure all your materials are fully complete before submitting. You will receive an automated confirmation message.
3. All applications will be screened. Applicants selected to move forward will be contacted to schedule a virtual interview. Due to volume, applications that do not progress will not be contacted.
   • Upon request, applicants who are not selected can receive information for other community-based volunteer programs.
4. Questions? Contact the Victim Support Team Supervisor Kaylee DiMaggio: Kaylee.DiMaggio@seattle.gov.

Volunteer Information Sessions

Each year VST staff host virtual information sessions during the active recruitment season. All prospective volunteers are asked to attend at least one information session to learn more about the program.

Click here to select and sign up for an upcoming virtual information session.

Session dates and times:

• Thursday, May 7 — Noon to 12:45 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 13 — Noon to 12:45 p.m.
• Monday, May 18 — Noon to 12:45 p.m.
• Friday, May 22 — Noon to 12:45 p.m.

VST Training Academy

The academy is run as a cohort, where new volunteers are trained on an extensive range of topics. The 50 hours of learning provide the foundational knowledge necessary to support individuals and families in crisis and achieve a clear understanding of the VST scope.

The 2026 VST Training Academy will take place over the course of three nonconsecutive weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) in September and October. Reading assignments and eLearning prep work begin in August in preparation for the intensive classroom sessions.

Testimonials from VST Academy Graduates: 

"This is probably the best learning experience I have had as an adult. This program has filled my heart in a way that I did not expect and has reinforced why this program is so important." 

"This program has been exceptional! I have been involved with many organizations over the years and by far, this one was the most comprehensive and well organized." 

Volunteering with VST

VST Volunteers can come from anywhere in the community... they do not need to have a background in social work or counseling. They are teachers, engineers, nurses, survivors, students, homemakers, retirees and beyond. What the volunteers have in common is that they each care deeply about making a difference in their community.

Why volunteer with VST: 

• Make an important impact by providing compassionate and non-judgmental support to survivors of violence and their loved ones
• Receive free extensive training and ongoing mentorship/support to continually cultivate advocacy skills and knowledge
• Interact with experts in the field of victim advocacy and an array of staff members and other volunteers
• Build connections, community, and relationships

Is this the right time for me to volunteer with VST?

• The application, onboarding, and training to join the team are an intensive process. We ask for a commitment of 8 hours per month for at least one year, beginning at the completion of all training and background checks. It's important to consider if this current season of your life will allow the time and space for this volunteer position.
• If have a personal connection to incidents of sexual or domestic violence, we ask for you to allow at least one year to pass before applying to volunteer with VST. Additionally, if you identify as a survivor, we ask that you wait until you have processed your experience through counseling or another method and do not feel a sense of crisis in your daily life.
• You have a strong support system in place and can identify those who would be supportive of your volunteer experience. 

If you are unsure about volunteering, please attend an information session and make your decision with the support of staff who can answer your questions.