OUR HOUSE Volunteer FAQs
OUR Volunteer Questions & Answers
Do I need to have a background in psychology or social work?
No, in fact some of our longest standing volunteers are not mental health clinicians. We have laypeople from all types of backgrounds including teachers, attorneys, artists, writers, students, retirees, stay-at-home parents and coffee baristas. We provide the training and supervision you need to be the best volunteer possible.
What is the time commitment to be a volunteer group leader?
The average time commitment, including group meeting and supervision, is 10-15 hours per month.
Can I volunteer to lead both children's and adult groups?
Yes. Upon successful completion of the three-day training for adult groups and a separate four-day training for children’s groups, trainees may be offered placement as group leaders within both programs.
What is the process to become a volunteer group leader?
The application process includes an online application, a brief phone interview, an in-person group interview, and a three or four-day training.
If I can’t commit to be a volunteer group leader, what other opportunities are there?
There are three meaningful ways to volunteer with OUR HOUSE. Other than being a volunteer group leader, we need grief camp volunteers for Camp Erin each summer. Also, we need event and administrative volunteers throughout the year. These volunteers do not need to complete the special training that is required for our grief support group leaders and camp volunteers.
I want to become a volunteer group leader, what should I do first?
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer group leader, please complete the online application. Then, we will contact you to set up a brief phone interview.
I don’t live close to Woodland Hills or West LA; do you have any other locations for volunteering?
If co-leading support groups in the evenings in our West Los Angeles, Woodland Hills, and Mid-City/Koreatown centers is not possible, we need volunteers during the day and evening at various school and community sites in the greater Los Angeles area. We serve public schools in Los Angeles County as far south as Long Beach, north to Pacoima, east to East LA and west to the Santa Monica. In addition to leading a 10-week school group, all volunteers must attend a mandatory group supervision meeting every other week in either our West LA or Woodland Hills Center. Volunteers are reimbursed for mileage to and from their school groups.
What is your Covid Vaccine Policy?
As we continue to align our protocols with LA County public health guidelines, effective July 1, 2023, staff, volunteers, program participants, and visitors entering OUR HOUSE spaces will no longer be required to provide proof of vaccination status. Once indoors, individuals may elect to wear a mask if desired. To keep the OUR HOUSE community safe, all individuals are advised to stay home, rest, and recuperate if experiencing symptoms of illness. In all offices, OUR HOUSE staff will ensure that current LA County-recommended COVID sanitation protocols are followed. This policy is subject to change in accordance with LA County public health guidelines.
