THE ONTARIO LAWYERS’ ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

SECTION III

PEER VOLUNTEERS

WHAT IS A PEER VOLUNTEER?

A PEER VOLUNTEER PROVIDES A CONFIDENTIAL LINK BETWEEN THE PERSON SEEKING HELP AND THE APPROPRIATE HELP OR HELPER

A PEER VOLUNTEER IS NOT A COUNSELLOR, DOCTOR OR THERAPIST AND DOES NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF A PROFESSIONAL

PRIMARY ROLES

                 SUPPORT
                 ENCOURAGEMENT
                 REFERRAL TO APPROPRIATE RESOURCES
                 PROGRAM AWARENESS

PRIMARY SKILLS

                 COMMUNICATION AND LISTENING SKILLS
                 SETTING BOUNDARIES
                 KNOWLEDGE OF RESOURCES AVAILABLE    

WHAT IS REQUIRED TO BE AN OLAP PEER VOLUNTEER?

1.  Desire to help other lawyers based on personal experience and strength.

2.  Ability to be nonjudgmental and to listen empathetically

3.  Understand confidentiality and boundary issues

4.  Not in crisis at the present time.  It is difficult to help others if you are struggling to get your own life in order.

HOW TO BECOME A PEER VOLUNTEER

1. PROCESS FOR APPLYING
1.  Contact OLAP and indicate your interest

2.  Complete an application form (Appendix C, or available on line at www.olap.ca ) and sign confidentiality agreement therein and return to OLAP.
The information includes two references, so please let them know of your plans before providing their names.  We will call them to ask if they support your interest in volunteering.

3.   Review the information package that will be sent to you. 

4.  Individual Interview - Once we have received the form we will contact you for an interview to understand your areas of interest and the type of help you could provide in order to help us use your skills to the best advantage.

5.  Attend a training session.  You will be informed of the next Volunteer training opportunity and expected to participate.  You will be invited to attend the LPAC Congress as part of the training opportunities. There are meetings, activities and seminars that you will be invited to attend.  The purpose is to share information and experiences.  There is an information/education component at each meeting. Your participation is important and appreciated at OLAP events.

6.  Your name will be added to our list of volunteers and you will receive monthly information regarding OLAP activities. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS

1. OLAP reviews the completed application form
2. Related materials are sent to the applicant outlining duties, expectations and areas of involvement.
3. A personal interview is scheduled with the applicant
4. Focus of Interview

             i.      Motivation for becoming a peer volunteer
            ii.      Related experiences –volunteering and personal
           iii.      Areas of interest
           iv.      Expectations—attending training, participation at events, promotion of OLAP, feedback                      
            v.      Review confidentiality policies
           vi.      Ensure that applicant has Peer Volunteer Handbook
          vii.      Understanding and comfort with involvement in an Intervention

5. Reference Check
6. Length of time they have known the applicant
7. Observations about interactions with others
8. Comments on suitability to the volunteer role
9. Criminal reference check (this is not yet an implemented policy but under review)
10. Application reviewed and accepted by Volunteer Executive Director and Clinical Director
11. Notify the applicant in writing that he/she has been accepted as an OLAP peer Volunteer
12. Place name on the Confidential Peer Volunteer List 
13. Include the person on OLAP Peer Volunteer email list to receive newsletter and related information

COMMUNICATION AND PROTECTION OF VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

OLAP maintains a list of our volunteers in order to contact volunteers appropriate to help lawyers with specific problem areas.  The list is confidential to OLAP.  It is not shared with others, not even other volunteers.  Volunteers are asked how they wish to be contacted and if it is appropriate to leave a message and under what circumstances (for example voice mail or messages with an assistant).    Inclusion in a group email box for OLAP volunteers is optional. 

OLAP sends information and announcements to volunteers on a regular basis.  Volunteers are asked to specify:
            The address to which the information is to be sent
            That the envelope be non identifying and be marked confidential
            Other special instructions
            Not to receive any mailings                           
            No restrictions
OLAP now has a website, www.OLAP.ca.  Check the website for upcoming events and board meetings.
OLAP sends a newsletter to Volunteers to keep you involved and informed of activities.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As a member of the provincial network of volunteers, there are many opportunities  and different ways to volunteer your time, and share experiences of strength and hope. 

There are fluctuating demands and the requests for help. In some circumstances there may be few calls or there may be several in a short period of time.  There is no way to predict utilization or demand.

When you receive a call for help remember it is up to you to say yes or no, depending on your circumstances and comfort level with the issues presented.   

DUTIES

1.   Keep informed of OLAP events and functioning.
2.   Have information and material about OLAP readily available
3.   Share experiences and knowledge of resources with OLAP and other volunteers
4.   Respond to requests for help as soon as possible.  If unable to respond let OLAP know so another volunteer can respond.
5.   Attend training and education sessions when possible
6.   Inform OLAP staff of changes or if you are no longer able to volunteer

SPECIFIC VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

The following activities are examples of some of the work done by volunteers
            Respond to requests for help
            Provide one on one telephone support and assistance
            Work with someone in person one-on-one (Accompany to a self help meeting)
            Work with OLAP as a member of a team to assist someone in crisis       
            Write articles for legal publications
Present information sessions (local law associations, legal organizations or law schools)
Set up OLAP information display and promotion material at events
Chair a committee or program (Eg. Women’s Wellness and Balance Group)

Your generosity with your time and your dedication ensures that services are delivered to lawyers in distress.  The following principles provide guidelines for your functioning.

GUIDELINES FOR FUNCTIONING
Confidentiality.  This is the fundamental component of our program.  It is important to explain your commitment to confidentiality to the person you are helping.  If they request that you share the information with someone (i.e. a therapist, an employer or a physician) have them sign a consent to release the information.  If you must break confidentiality (as in the instance of misappropriation of funds) inform the person of this duty.

Support.  The role of the volunteer is to listen, share related experiences, offer support and hope, assist the caller to contact an appropriate professional or program such as a treatment facility or a self help group) and follow up to show continued interest and concern.  Volunteers are not professional counsellors and must be certain that lawyers and others with whom they speak understand this.  Do not diagnose a problem or give advice.  That is the role of a therapist, psychologist, social worker or doctor.

Program promotion/awareness.  You may be asked to speak at meetings and/or write articles for publication.  This is a way to help others understand the program.  If you are asked to do a presentation, materials will be provided.

Training.  Once you are comfortable and confident as a volunteer you may be asked to use your skill in presentation or training to assist in orientating new volunteers.

Conflict of interest.  While acting as a volunteer, do not act as a lawyer for the person seeking assistance.  Clearly distinguish your role as a volunteer from other professional activities.

Monetary Matters.  As a volunteer do not accept compensation or gratuities for your services.  Do not provide financial advice or manage money for the person you are assisting.

Referrals.  OLAP has no pecuniary interest in referrals to specific therapists, physicians, hospitals, treatment centers or counselors.  Our concern is to help the caller find appropriate professional treatment and assistance.                     

Records.  This is a volunteer program and it is not necessary for volunteers to maintain a record of contacts or any identifying information about a caller or someone you have seen face to face.  This protects the privacy of both parties.

Statistical Information.  OLAP needs to be aware of the activities of volunteers in order to provide non-identifying information to the Board of Directors and funding organizations.  Volunteers will be asked to report the number of people they have contact with, the type of contact and approximately how much time has been spent on the activities in order for OLAP to prepare annual reports and budget requirements.  You will be asked to provide this information annually.

Support and Assistance. If you have any questions or doubts, talk it over.  OLAP Volunteer Executive Director, John Starzynski, Clinical Director, Leota Embleton, Case Mangers Doron Gold and Terri Wilkinson are available to help.  There are other volunteers who are also willing to assist.  The members of the Board are available for suggestions and support as well.  (Names and numbers are listed at the back of this handbook).  

The Golden Rule: Never Work Alone:  The situations that volunteers are asked to help with are sometimes difficult and confusing.  There may be no right or easy solution.  No matter how many years of experience it is important to discuss situations you are dealing with for feedback, guidance and support.  When discussing a situation keep in mind the importance of confidentiality and do not use names.  Sometimes it may be necessary to discuss a situation with a volunteer in another area to protect anonymity of the person you are helping.   

PROCESS/PROCEDURES

One on One Assistance

When OLAP staff indicate and a caller requesting help determine a volunteer would be helpful, we contact the volunteer. An initial match between lawyer and volunteer is attempted based on certain commonalities—gender, location, types of practice, size of practice and other factors that might help with identification and comfort.

The volunteer will be asked to contact the person requesting help.  If the volunteer is available and agrees he/she will be provided with whatever information is available about the nature of the problem.  Every attempt will be made to make a connection that will meet the needs of the caller and match the areas that the volunteer has experience/knowledge.
If, for any reason the volunteer feels uncomfortable with the request, they will not proceed. (i.e. personal acquaintance, the issues is not in area of experience) another volunteer will be contacted.

INITIAL TELEPHONE CONTACT & SUPPORT
1. Tell the lawyer why you are contacting him/her and that OLAP has asked for your help to act as a peer support.
2. Remind the lawyer of the confidentiality of the process
3. Emphasize that your purpose is to help.
4. Listen, listen, listen
5. Tell of your own experiences, strength and hope.
6. Avoid arguments, threats, power struggles, judgments, and diagnoses.  A volunteer does not confirm thecaller’s own assessment or diagnosis and does not attempt treatment or counselling.
7. Listen, listen, listen.
8. Determine what the caller might find helpful.
9. Offer suggestions based on your ability to help (meeting for further discussion, telephone contact, attending a self help group such as AA together, information about resources or treatment programs)
10. Follow through and take the action as soon as possible, either personally or by referral.
11. Obtain permission before disclosing any identifying information to others
12. Listen to the response to your suggestions.  Be flexible in methods of help.
13. Consult with OLAP for suggestions
14. Keep OLAP informed of the process and plans for follow up

PUBLICITY

Many members of the legal community are not aware of OLAP and its services.  Promotion is an important and ongoing task.  Volunteers may be asked to contribute articles or stories for publication in law related journals especially in your local county.  Volunteers may participate in seminars, conferences and continuing education events to help educate lawyers about health issues and resources.
1. Speaker presentations to law firms and law schools
2. Writing articles for publication in local law journals or other media
3. Participation in other functions to describe/discuss OLAP services
4. Review and/or preparation of educational materials
5. Participate/present or be on a panel at training events

COMMITTEES AND TASK FORCES

From time to time OLAP sets up committees or task forces to assist with programs or specific tasks.  Volunteers may sit on task forces, chair a committee or assist with the organization of special interest events. 
             Women’s Work and Wellness Luncheon series
             Liaison with special interest groups

RESOURCES AND RESOURCE INFORMATION

It is important to know how to respond to crisis situations and to be aware of resources in your area.  Up to date programs with telephone numbers and website addresses is important, as is the olap website www.olap.ca A list of provincial and national services is provided in Appendix D.  These include mental health resources, treatment centres, distress lines, suicide prevention line and women’s help lines. Each person should consider including a list of local resources.

PREVENTION

The goal of OLAP is to prevent small problems from becoming large issues that affect the lawyer’s practice and personal life.  Volunteers help achieve this goal by providing information and encouraging people to seek help early.

INTERVENTION

Intervention used as a technique to deal with addiction is an action by a concerned individual to separate a person with an alcohol or substance abuse problem from the disease.  In this context intervention is a specific technique.  Peer volunteers would not undertake an intervention on their own except perhaps at the response level. Intervention procedures can range from simples to complex:
Response—talking and listening to the lawyer in need and helping him/her determine the next course of action
Peer Interventions—joining with another volunteer to call on or visit a distressed lawyer to discuss the behavior and note the impairment to the practice of law
Consultation-- with OLAP or professional interventionists to prepare for a complex and orchestrated gathering of family and friends for a” formal intervention”

SELF HELP PROGRAMS

OLAP is not a self-help group.  The 12 Step Programs are an important resource and a part of many of OLAP'S recommendations for help.  There are many self-help groups available and volunteers who are members of these groups offer encouragement and involvement to others when appropriate.

TREATMENT FACILITIES

When professional assistance, assessment or treatment is indicated contact OLAP for suggestions.  We maintain contact with a network of health care, mental health, addiction and counselling resources.

SKILL SETS

Communication Skills-It is very important in the role of volunteer to be able to communicate effectively.  The ability to listen without making judgments or giving advice is often what provides the person seeking help with the confidence and strength to go on. The basic communication skills are 1. active listening  2. empathy (showing you care)  3. responding-getting clarification and  4. acceptance.

Self knowledge and Self Awareness-Know your strengths and weaknesses and where your skills lie.  Don’t try to help in areas where you feel uncomfortable.

A Non judgmental Approach - Volunteer work is not legal practice.  You do not have to solve the problem or know the answer.  Listening and supporting the caller is what is important. You do not need to provide a solution, only listen and offer suggestions if asked.  Remember that what worked for you may not be appropriate for the person seeking help.
           

Legal Profession Assistance Conference (LPAC) |Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs (CoLAP) | Lawyers Assistance Program of British Columbia (BCLAP) | Nova Scotia Lawyers Assistance Program (NSLAP) | Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC) | The Lawyers Assistance Program (LINK) | The Alberta Lawyers Assistance Program | Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (Saskatchewan) | The Lawyers Professional Indemnity Company (LawPRO) | Law Practice Consulting