About The Samaritans Cape Cod and the Islands

The mission of The Samaritans is suicide prevention. A nonprofit organization with decades in volunteer public service and proven expertise in the field, The Samaritans provides support to people who are either contemplating suicide or who have been personally affected by suicide. Our focus is not solely on those people who are at imminent risk for suicide. Our goal is to provide pathways to healing for our whole community.

Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community?

The Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands is seeking compassionate individuals to join our LOSS (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors) Team as Grief Support Volunteers. This unique volunteer opportunity allows you to provide in-person support to individuals and families in communities across Cape Cod and the Islands during the hours and days following a suicide loss.

As a LOSS Team Volunteer, you will offer a calm, caring presence during one of the most difficult and overwhelming experiences a person can face. Volunteers are not expected to have all the answers. Instead, they provide compassionate listening, emotional support, and connection to community resources, helping survivors know they are not alone.

Through this important work, volunteers help bring hope, comfort, and human connection to those navigating profound grief and trauma.

Location: Cape Cod and the Islands (In-Person Community Assignments)
Position Type: Volunteer (Unpaid)

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for individuals who are passionate about supporting others and strengthening their community. It may be especially meaningful for:

• Suicide loss survivors who have had time and support to process their own grief journey
• Individuals with experience in mental health, healthcare, social work, education, chaplaincy, peer support, crisis response, or other helping professions
• Community members who feel called to provide compassionate support during times of loss

No prior crisis response experience is required. We are willing to train!

Volunteer Responsibilities

• Respond to suicide loss situations in local Cape Cod and Islands communities
• Provide compassionate, nonjudgmental emotional support to grieving individuals and families
• Offer information about available grief support resources and services
• Serve as a caring and supportive presence during a time of acute loss
• Work as part of a trained volunteer team under the guidance of The Samaritans

Requirements

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Reliable transportation required - travel to in-person sites within the community
• Must successfully complete a background check
• Must reside within reasonable proximity to the Cape Cod and Islands service area and reside in Massachusetts
• Ability to respond to in-person volunteer assignments within local communities

Training & Support

The Samaritans is committed to ensuring volunteers feel prepared, confident, and supported in their role.

All volunteers receive:

• Comprehensive LOSS Team training
• Ongoing guidance and supervision
• Continuing education opportunities
• Peer support from fellow volunteers and staff
• Access to resources that support volunteer wellness and resilience

Join Us

If you are seeking a meaningful volunteer opportunity where your presence can make a lasting impact, we invite you to become part of our LOSS Team.

Together, we can ensure that no one faces the aftermath of suicide loss alone.