Become a Helpline Volunteer
Family Paths’ Parenting Stress Helpline provides phone counseling, case management, and referrals to all parents, including foster/adoptive parents, relative caregivers, and service providers in Alameda County. Our Helpline Volunteers bring diverse perspectives and provide meaningful peer support—no counseling or parenting experience is required.
Volunteering with Family Paths means joining a mission-driven agency grounded in social justice, and working alongside a compassionate team committed to uplifting families with respect, integrity, compassion, and hope. We strongly encourage applicants who speak languages in addition to English and come from the diverse communities we serve.
This volunteer opportunity is great for:
- Parents/Caregivers who wish to support others in similar situations
- Students (in counseling, social work, and other human services fields) seeking valuable work experience
- Anyone eager to make a positive impact on the lives of parents and families
To be considered, volunteers must attend all in-person Pre-Service Trainings, complete self-paced online training modules, and attend 2–3 observation shifts (Sept 12–Oct 3, 2 hours each).
We’re looking for individuals who are empathetic, able to express compassion and curiosity, committed to improving the wellbeing of families, and open to learning.
The Helpline uses an electronic health records system, so volunteers must be comfortable using a computer and have proficient computer skills.
After being accepted into the Helpline Program, volunteers commit to one weekday shift per week for a year.
Pre-Service Training Dates:
- Friday 9/12 10AM-5PM
- Saturday 9/13 10AM-5PM
- Saturday 9/27 10AM-2PM
- Friday 10/03 10AM-5PM
- Saturday 10/04 10AM-5PM
Volunteers receive comprehensive learning through our Pre-Service trainings, along with ongoing support during each of their Helpline shifts. Training topics include, but aren’t limited to: Active Listening, Systemic and Epigenetic Trauma, Mental Health, Suicidal Ideation, Child Abuse and Mandated Reporting, Resource Parenting, and Cultural Humility.
Time Commitment and Duties:
- Volunteer one shift per week, Mon-Fri, for one year (virtual/in-person options available)
- Attend Family Support trainings (typically evenings or Saturdays)
- Answer phones, make case management callbacks, complete referrals, connect callers to community resources, and support other volunteers and staff
- Help update our Community Resource Database
In addition to helpline volunteering, you may have the opportunity to:
- Attend clinical trainings offered by Family Paths and other agencies (usually weekdays)
- Help with Community Outreach Events
- Create promotional materials, resource guides, and more
If you are local to the SF Bay Area and interested in learning more about this essential position, please complete the volunteer application below.
NOTE: If you, your children, or an immediate family member have received services at Family Paths, please wait at least 2 years after services have ended before applying to volunteer. Once this time has passed, we’d be happy to discuss your interest and readiness to volunteer.
