Volunteering program at Victim and Witness Support Service Croatia

• What it is: Volunteering is an independently selected activity through which volunteers make their knowledge and skills, as well as their time, available to a goal from which larger groups of people or even the whole society benefits.
• Beneficiaries of the program: The goal of volunteering at Victim and Witness Support Service Croatia (VWSS) is providing support to victims and witnesses of crimes and misdemeanors as well as their family members. The target group of the program is a vulnerable group that has suffered harm. Volunteers have the opportunity to learn more about the legal framework which is available to victims and witnesses and to get acquainted with the work of civil society organizations in Croatia.

• Who can apply for volunteering at VWSS:
  • Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and be fluent in Croatian.
  • For volunteering at the National Call Center (NCC) speaking both Croatian and English is needed.
  • Students are a significant part of the team, but we also welcome working professionals who want to make a positive impact during their free time.
  • Volunteers are expected to behave in a non-discriminatory manner towards all members of society, and act responsible and reliable.
  • Additional Qualifications: For volunteers working directly with users at our Offices in Vukovar, Osijek and Varaždin, we may conduct further assessments. This applies to volunteers with backgrounds in law (lawyers or law students with relevant coursework), psychology (psychologists or psychology students with a final thesis), or those demonstrating exceptional motivation for this type of work.

• Where is possible to volunteer?
  • National Call Center (NCC) in Zagreb
  • Office: Osijek (Osijek-Baranja County), Vukovar (Vukovar-Srijem County) and Varaždin (Varaždin County and Međimurje County). Volunteering takes place in the premises of the Office, and if necessary in other locations by prior arrangement with the head of the Office.

• How can you become a volunteer?
• VWSS Croatia recruits volunteers twice a year,  in February and September. Procedure consist of:
  • Public call for volunteers: Announcement is made through various channels including local volunteer centers, Croatian Employment Service, MojPosao platform, local media, local civil society organizations and social networks.
  • Application process: Interested applicants submit online application form.
  • Selection interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview to assess their motivation and knowledge about the organization and volunteer work. Offices in Osijek, Vukovar and Varaždin lead the volunteers interview live, while the NCC online.
  • Training: Selected volunteers undergo basic legal and communication training.
  • Call simulation for volunteering in NCC in Zagreb is examinational part of education training.
  • Ongoing support: During volunteering, the service provides mentoring, emotional and psychological support, and supervision to the volunteers.

• Additional information about recruitment:
  • Candidates are expected to be motivated and interested in the work of NCC
  • The selection interview includes questions about general knowledge about the organization, motivation to volunteer, choosing a volunteer position, and the candidate’s attitudes about socio-political events and values.

• Ongoing Volunteer Education
  • To ensure volunteers are well-equipped and knowledgeable, we provide a comprehensive training program that goes beyond the basic education during recruitment.
  • Regular Additional Training: We hold regular sessions to help volunteers refresh their memories on the knowledge and skills they acquired during onboarding. This reinforces their understanding and ensures they can confidently apply it in their volunteer work.
  • Staying informed: Volunteers receive regular updates on the latest news and information related to the specific area they support, such as victims’ and witnesses’ rights. This ensures they have the most relevant knowledge to effectively assist beneficiaries.
  • Specialized trainings: Volunteers also have the opportunity to participate in specialized trainings conducted by our experienced employees. This broadens their skillset and exposes them to diverse perspectives within the field. Additionally, volunteers can further specialize their knowledge through courses offered by external collaborators. By investing in ongoing volunteer education, we ensure our volunteers have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a significant contribution to our association’s mission.

• Benefits for volunteers:
  • Skill development: Volunteering strengthens existing skills and allows them to learn new ones, making them a more well-rounded individual.
  • Job hunting: Volunteering experience is recognized on certificates and can help young people find jobs, especially those with limited experience.
  • Personal growth: Volunteering provides insights into how organization work, teaches you to apply knowledge practically, and helps build your network.
  • Inner satisfaction: Volunteers are intrinsically motivated and find volunteering fulfilling.

• Additional activities in which they can participate are the following:
  • Writing articles for NCC volunteer blogs
  • Trial monitoring
  • Writing exercises
  • Book club
  • Participation and organization of public events, round tables and conferencies
  • Participation in media activities
  • Participation in the activities of ongoing projects

• Awards and Recognitions for our Volunteering Program:
  • State Award for Volunteer Coordinator for Maja Štahan (Coordinator of the National Call Center); awarded by the Ministry of Demography, Family, Youth and Social Policy, 2018.
  • Award for Best Volunteer Organizer; Awarded by the Vukovar Volunteer Center, 2018.
  • “Volunteer Commitment of an Individual” Award for Volunteer of the Osijek Office Nina Vasiljević: Awarded by the Osijek Volunteer Center, 2019.
  • “Example of Good Practice in Volunteer Inclusion” Award: Awarded by the Osijek Volunteer Center, 2020.
  • State Award for Volunteering in the Category: Volunteer Organizer; awarded by the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy, 2020.
  • European Award for Quality of Youth Volunteering,