Family Paths Volunteer Hotline Counselor

Help make a difference in the lives of families by speaking with and supporting parents who are feeling stressed, isolated or overwhelmed. By answering our 24-hour Family Support and Resource Hotline, volunteers provide counseling to parents in order to promote stress reduction, mental health and positive parenting.

By answering our hotline calls, volunteers become a lifeline to parents who need understanding and support when dealing with difficult parenting issues and stress.

This is an exceptional opportunity for students who are considering a career in the mental health field, as well as for parents, retirees, professionals, and others interested in having an immediate, positive effect in the lives of children and families.

 

It is not required that you have any previous hotline, counseling, or parenting experience, however, good communication skills, the capacity to listen openly and to respond non-judgmentally, and a strong interest in helping to support children and families are a must. The provided Pre-Service Training prepares volunteers to encounter a variety of calls by introducing active listening skills, discussing family issues (such family diversity, substance abuse and domestic violence) and through practicing role plays.

 

Requirements

After successfully completing training, volunteers work one 4-hr shift per week, in our Oakland office, between the hours of 9:00am and 9:00pm, Monday through Friday, and are asked for a minimum commitment of one year as a volunteer. Volunteers work as part of a team in a supportive environment including on-the-job mentoring and supervision. In-service training opportunities are also available.

Apply now to join our Fall (September) Pre-Service Training: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, September 10th, 11th & 12th, and Friday, Saturday & Sunday, September 24th, 25th & 26th. Fridays 5:30 – 9:00pm; Saturdays & Sundays 9:00am - 3:30pm.