Profession crisis helpline operator

Crisis helpline operators provide advice and support to distraught callers via the telephone. They have to deal with a diverse range of issues such as abuse, depression and financial problems. Helpline operators maintain records of the phone calls according to regulations and privacy policies.

Personality Type

• Conventional / Social

Knowledge

• Company policies

  The set of rules that govern the activity of a company.

• Crisis intervention

  Coping strategies in crisis cases which allow individuals to overcome their problems or fears and avoid psychological distress and breakdown.

• Health care occupation-specific ethics

  The moral standards and procedures, ethical questions and obligations specific to occupations in a health care setting such as respect for human dignity, self-determination, informed consent and patient confidentiality.

Skills

• Maintain records of work with service users

  Maintain accurate, concise, up-to-date and timely records of the work with service users while complying with legislation and policies related to privacy and security.

• Develop professional identity in social work

  Strive to provide the appropriate services to social work clients while staying within a professional framework, understanding what the work means in relation to other professionals and taking into account the specific needs of your clients.

• Provide social guidance over the phone

  Give social support and advice to individuals over the phone listening to their concerns and reacting accordingly.

• Tolerate stress

  Maintain a temperate mental state and effective performance under pressure or adverse circumstances.

• Listen actively

  Give attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of customers, clients, passengers, service users or others, and provide solutions accordingly.

• Contribute to protecting individuals from harm

  Use established processes and procedures to challenge and report dangerous, abusive, discriminatory or exploitative behaviour and practice, bringing any such behaviour to the attention of the employer or the appropriate authority.

• Act discreetly

  Be discreet and don't draw attention.

• Assess social service users' situation

  Assess the social situation of service users situation balancing curiosity and respect in the dialogue, considering their families, organisations and communities and the associated risks and identifying the needs and resources, in order to meet physical, emotional and social needs.

• Communicate by telephone

  Liaise via telephone by making and answering calls in a timely, professional and polite manner.

• Accept own accountability

  Accept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.

• Maintain privacy of service users

  Respect and maintain the dignity and privacy of the client, protecting his or her confidential information and clearly explaining policies about confidentiality to the client and other parties involved.

• Adhere to organisational guidelines

  Adhere to organisational or department specific standards and guidelines. Understand the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and act accordingly.

• Apply organisational techniques

  Employ a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the goals set. Use these resources efficiently and sustainably, and show flexibility when required.

• Consider social impact of actions on service users

  Act according to the political, social and cultural contexts of social service users, considering the impact of certain actions on their social well being.

• Have computer literacy

  Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.

• Protect vulnerable social service users

  Intervene to provide physical, moral and psychological support to people in dangerous or difficult situations and to remove to a place of safety where appropriate.

• Apply quality standards in social services

  Apply quality stardards in social services while upholding social work values and principles.

• Relate empathetically

  Recognise, understand and share emotions and insights experienced by another.

• Manage social crisis

  Identify, respond and motivate individuals in social crisis situations, in a timely manner, making use of all resources.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB