What are the qualifications to become a Y-ME peer counselor?
To be a Y-ME peer counselor, you must have been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. Treatment must have been completed at least one year ago. After an initial screening process, you must pass the certification process (two-day training and shadowing). There are two types of peer counselors: “on-call” and “match.” • An “on-call” peer counselor answers incoming hotline calls, provides information and resource assistance as needed, takes wig and prosthesis requests and creates or updates the caller’s database record. An on-call peer counselor lends 24/7 real-time support to callers either at an Affiliate office or from your home with special computer and telephone equipment that Y-ME will provide. Adhering to Hotline Standards (including, but not limited to a 20 hour/month commitment and checking e-mail daily) and having high speed Internet access are requirements for all on-call peer counselors. • A “match” peer counselor provides specific, personal experience at a convenient time.
