Center for Women’s Ministries, Inc. ®
Center Director Manual
Questions for Interviewing New CWM Volunteers
An interview is to be completed by the center director before assigning new volunteers to any position within the center. If a center has both a CD and an ACD, it would be beneficial for both to sit in on the interview, so that they can get to know the new volunteer. Be sure the potential volunteer has completed the newest Confidential Application for Volunteers (CD Manual/ Accountability). Below are some potential questions to use when interviewing a new volunteer who has completed BPCT. Reminder: At this time, Making Peace with your Past is not a requirement for becoming a counseling volunteer within the center.
- Be sure the volunteer has read the CWM Statement of Faith, and that she is in agreement with it.
- Review her application before meeting for the interview. Make note of any sections that may not be filled in or that may raise a “red flag.” (Ex: The volunteer is taking medication for a diagnosis of bi-polar, or she has previous experience with the occult.) Any “red flag” areas will need to be addressed in the interview.
- Before meeting with the volunteer to do the interview, be sure to contact references (especially her pastor) and ask questions about herexperiences with the potential volunteer such as:
- How many years the reference has known the individual?
- In what capacity the reference has worked with this individual?
- How hasthe reference observed the individual relating/working with others?
- Does the reference have any reservations about this individual serving in a Christian-based, peer counseling ministry?
Things to cover in a volunteer interview:
- Ask the prospective volunteer to share briefly how she came to faith in Christ and about her devotional life. Is she part of a local church? If not, is there a legitimate reason (i.e.,she recently moved to the area and is looking for a church)? Be careful to not place a new Christian in a leadership or counseling position too quickly.
- Be sure to complete a background check after the interview if she agrees to counsel youths 18 and under.
- Be sure to check if she has any previous involvement with the law. If she marked yes, you need to understand what her involvement entailed and whether it is ongoing or finalized.
- Feel free to ask for clarification on any of the questions regarding her experiences, areas the Lord has given her victory in or areas she is seeking God to overcome.
- Make note of any medical issues that may affect her volunteering at the center (i.e., she is diabetic. Be sure you keep hard candy or soda on site in case of emergency).
- Ask her about her hobbies and interests, and where she sees herself serving within the center. Try to plug her into an area where she will feel productive and have a sense of ownership.
- Ask what days/times she is available to volunteer.
- Discuss the areas of practical experience she circled as having had experience and healing and that she desires to counsel in. Ask her to briefly share how God brought healing in each of thoseareas and how she knowsshe has found healing. Make notes on a separate paper for future reference when looking to assign clients.
- Be sure to cover the Statements of Agreement on the last page of the application.
Center Director Manual/Accountability
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