LOSS Team Member

Role overview

NAMI Greater Cleveland is seeking volunteers for its LOSS (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors) Team. This community-based, on-call role is designed to provide immediate, compassionate support to people and families affected by suicide loss. Team members help stabilize the moment, share resources, and offer hope during an extremely difficult time. Some volunteers may serve in non-scene support roles if they prefer to contribute without responding in person.

Impact of the role

LOSS Team members serve as an important link between crisis and recovery. By being present during the most painful moments, they help reduce isolation and remind survivors that support is available.

Who can serve

This volunteer team includes both people who have experienced suicide loss personally and community members who want to provide trauma-informed, compassionate support to others navigating this kind of grief.

On-scene responsibilities

• Respond quickly to recent suicide deaths in the community and offer comfort to newly bereaved individuals and families.
• Follow all standard procedures, code of conduct expectations, and LOSS Team guidelines.
• Be available for activations during nights and weekends and arrive at the designated meeting point within 90 minutes.
• Coordinate respectfully with law enforcement, first responders, coroners, and other agencies present at the scene.
• Bring a steady, caring presence, listen actively, and support survivors during the earliest phase of grief.
• When helpful and appropriate, share your own experience of suicide loss to build connection and lessen feelings of isolation.
• Help survivors find emotional and practical support and advocate for their needs during a vulnerable time.
• Provide information and referrals to survivor support groups and other relevant community services.

Non-scene responsibilities

• Make follow-up phone calls to continue support after the initial response.
• Send letters and cards to families and individuals.
• Mail requested resources.
• Take part in remembrance events, community outreach, LOSS Team meetings, and the companioning program.

Qualifications

• Ability to regulate emotions well and interact effectively with others.
• Strong respect for confidentiality and ethical behavior.
• Comfort working in intense, high-stress situations while staying calm.
• Access to dependable transportation and a working phone.
• Willingness to remain on-call and respond promptly when activated.

Training and team commitments

• Complete LOSS Team orientation and training.
• Attend monthly team meetings and quarterly training sessions.
• Practice self-care and participate in peer debriefing.
• Contribute to a supportive, collaborative team environment.

Preferred background

• Experience in peer support or crisis response is helpful.
• Leadership experience in direct service or crisis-related settings is an advantage.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and grief-support practices is preferred.
• Personal experience of suicide loss and the ability to use that perspective in peer support at a scene is valued.

Additional information

Status: Volunteer

Location: Community-based, on-call in Greater Cleveland

Reports to: Postvention Program Manager

Issue areas: Human & Social Services, Faith-Based Service

Populations served: Families, homeless people, immigrants, refugees or ethnic groups, low-income communities, military/veterans, offenders/ex-offenders, people with disabilities, people with health-based concerns, LGBTQ+ individuals, children and youth, men, women, seniors, and others.

Age requirement: Minimum age is 21 years old, including with adult accompaniment.

For those who want to support the mission without going on scene, non-scene response opportunities are available.

NAMI Greater Cleveland: https://namigreatercleveland.org/