Volunteers are an important part of our programs, helping to staff our Lifeline, assist in administrative tasks, as well as with fundraising, committees, mailings and events. Volunteers provide a wide range of specialized talents and skills and we depend on their energy and enthusiasm. We invite you to become a volunteer!

Currently Recruiting for: Lifeline Specialists

The volunteer process is as follows:

LIFELINE SPECIALIST – Description & Requirements

Location:  Dorothy S. O’Brien Center, 6522 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103

Our telephone Lifeline provides emotional support and resource referrals to anyone who is living with cancer; patients, survivors, friends, family members, caregivers and co-workers, Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm. Volunteers must be comfortable listening to profound emotions and have the ability to be a good listener, provide non-judgmental support and understand that listening does not equate to giving advice or trying to fix some aspect of the situation.

 Volunteer Requirements:

  • Must have a telephone if connecting remotely to the Lifeline*
  • Must have access to the internet for completing log reports and assisting callers to register for programs and classes
  • Participate in Lifeline in-services
  • Make a one year commitment to role of Lifeline Volunteer
  • Provide advance notice of 2-3 months when plan to leave Lifeline Program

Training Requirements: 
Participate in a 20-hour in person Zoom* training program. After training, you will be asked to take up to four 3-hour weekday shifts per month.  

Snapshot of Training Material:
  • Confidentiality
  • Lifeline Policies & Procedures
  • In-depth Education on Cancer Lifeline Programming
  • Understanding Cancer Pathways
  • Active Listening Techniques
  • Exploring the Grieving Cycle
  • Assessment of Suicidal Callers
  • The Four Needs of People Affected by Cancer
  • Creating Open-ended Responses
  • Clarifying Content
  • Exploring Caller Issues
  • Discussing Our Own Experiences With Death & Dying
  • Beliefs About Helping
  • In-class Role Plays (also conducted over the phone)

** Due to COVID, volunteers are providing support remotely.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – Description & Requirements

Location: Dorothy S. O’Brien Center, 6522 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103

Volunteer Requirements: 

  • Working with Excel & Microsoft Word (potential for database work) 
  • Conducting Reminder Calls
  • Shredding
  • Filing
  • Event Support
  • Assisting the Development and Program Teams with Various Tasks
  • Other Needs to be Determined.

Schedule: Flexible

If you have any questions or are interested in volunteering, please call or email Blair LaFavor at 206-832-1290 or blafavor@cancerlifeline.org