Samaritans Interview - any tips?
Discussion
Hi all
Wasn't sure where to post this so mods, please move by all means.
Next Wednesday a'noon got an interview to be a listener with the Samaritans. Lasts about 45 mintues apparently.
Anyone any experience of the interview process? Their expectations, dos and don'ts. I've already been to an info evening so well aware fo what they're all about.
If successful then have an all day selection day to attend.
Cheers y'all
Wasn't sure where to post this so mods, please move by all means.
Next Wednesday a'noon got an interview to be a listener with the Samaritans. Lasts about 45 mintues apparently.
Anyone any experience of the interview process? Their expectations, dos and don'ts. I've already been to an info evening so well aware fo what they're all about.
If successful then have an all day selection day to attend.
Cheers y'all
I can't help with that.
However, let me just say that - thank you for considering such a position. Whether you do join them or not, it's a brave and committed thing to consider. Not many would.
Thanks because I had an ex-girlfriend a while ago, who had some pretty real mental health issues. There were odd occasions, when she was at her lowest, that the Samaritans were there for her, at any time day or night, in a far more professonal and understanding way than I could ever have been.
Thanks because in my current capacity as a student paramedic, that with the combined help of the Samaritans and ourselves, we have prevented a few untimely episodes of self-harm, and possibly suicide.
A fabulous organisation.
Good luck.
However, let me just say that - thank you for considering such a position. Whether you do join them or not, it's a brave and committed thing to consider. Not many would.
Thanks because I had an ex-girlfriend a while ago, who had some pretty real mental health issues. There were odd occasions, when she was at her lowest, that the Samaritans were there for her, at any time day or night, in a far more professonal and understanding way than I could ever have been.
Thanks because in my current capacity as a student paramedic, that with the combined help of the Samaritans and ourselves, we have prevented a few untimely episodes of self-harm, and possibly suicide.
A fabulous organisation.
Good luck.
I did the selection day(s) a good few years ago and the training (2 days over weekends). You need to be yourself - and what I mean by that is that you need to have a very well developed sense of your own emotional awareness and ability to emphathise with people and understand when conversations and subjects push your own buttons.
You will need to contribute to the group discussions and you will explore your own thoughts and feelings on subjects that others may find challenging. Keep your thoughts as to the 'suitability' of other candidates well and truly to yourself!
It is an incredibly rewarding thing to do. Be yourself. Be prepared to talk about you and the things that have happened to you. Be open, understanding, pragmatic. You are not there as a councellor, but to listen and where you can, suggest practical connections. You'll learn all of that along the way.
I hope you find the experience rewarding and good luck. We need more Sams - more now than ever.
You will need to contribute to the group discussions and you will explore your own thoughts and feelings on subjects that others may find challenging. Keep your thoughts as to the 'suitability' of other candidates well and truly to yourself!
It is an incredibly rewarding thing to do. Be yourself. Be prepared to talk about you and the things that have happened to you. Be open, understanding, pragmatic. You are not there as a councellor, but to listen and where you can, suggest practical connections. You'll learn all of that along the way.
I hope you find the experience rewarding and good luck. We need more Sams - more now than ever.
My phone screwed up my first post, so booted up the pc for the first time in about a month. Its amazing how little we use it now we have tablets.
What i tried to post.
My mum was a sam till she retired down to new forest where it's too far to travel to her closest one.
I'll get some tips when I call her next but from what I remember the first stage is panel interview where she played on her experiences as a 2ndary school teacher. Then there was listening in sessions at the callcentre, and then a load of training on how they expect you to handle calls, and coaching on how to deal with the more harrowing and weird ones.
Lots of dropped calls, lots of sex-pests, but atleast one serious and challenging call a shift. She loved the reward and chalenge, but be warned, listening to someone ho has od'd on paracetamol and just wants someone to be there while they fade away, whilst not being able to call an ambulance unles the caller asks for it, can be an emotional rolercoaster.
Also they expect at least one late shift a month, which can be a struggle when working 9-5. Coming in after a 2am finish and your mind is racing with the calls you listened to, helped or occasionally weren't able to help, can play havoc.
Regardless of what I have said, im really proud of her and it is an admirable way to volunteer and offer real help to those that society has shat on, or forgoten about.
What i tried to post.
My mum was a sam till she retired down to new forest where it's too far to travel to her closest one.
I'll get some tips when I call her next but from what I remember the first stage is panel interview where she played on her experiences as a 2ndary school teacher. Then there was listening in sessions at the callcentre, and then a load of training on how they expect you to handle calls, and coaching on how to deal with the more harrowing and weird ones.
Lots of dropped calls, lots of sex-pests, but atleast one serious and challenging call a shift. She loved the reward and chalenge, but be warned, listening to someone ho has od'd on paracetamol and just wants someone to be there while they fade away, whilst not being able to call an ambulance unles the caller asks for it, can be an emotional rolercoaster.
Also they expect at least one late shift a month, which can be a struggle when working 9-5. Coming in after a 2am finish and your mind is racing with the calls you listened to, helped or occasionally weren't able to help, can play havoc.
Regardless of what I have said, im really proud of her and it is an admirable way to volunteer and offer real help to those that society has shat on, or forgoten about.
stevebear said:
Hey all
Thanks for the replies folks. Feel quite humbled now!
Not doing out it out of any noble agenda, maybe just my make-up!
Will return with an update on how I get on.
Cheers again
I could never assume such a position, as my most probable answer to most calls would be something like 'You just have to pull yourself together, for f**cks sake'.Thanks for the replies folks. Feel quite humbled now!
Not doing out it out of any noble agenda, maybe just my make-up!
Will return with an update on how I get on.
Cheers again
However, I can agree with others here, it is a noble cause and I hope you do well.
Bear in mind that a lot of misery and disappointment will be unloaded onto your shoulders, so be prepared to handle that.
My Mum joined a few years back. She found it quite difficult.
One call she had was from a repeatedly abused and battered wife. My Mum wanted to tell her options on how to improve the situation (Woman's refuge etc) But the rules did not allow it.
Ultimately she left, as what most of us would call practical advice was not allowed to be given.
Good luck.
One call she had was from a repeatedly abused and battered wife. My Mum wanted to tell her options on how to improve the situation (Woman's refuge etc) But the rules did not allow it.
Ultimately she left, as what most of us would call practical advice was not allowed to be given.
Good luck.
(I don't think the stunts he pulls with people threatening to jump or set fire to themselves would be acceptable 
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