FVLC has many types of volunteer opportunities – everything from internships for students to ongoing opportunities for skilled professionals. Those interested in law, social work, community activism, and crisis counseling are especially encouraged to apply.
Crisis Intervention Worker
Volunteer crisis intervention workers provide the front line of support for FVLC’s clients.
Responsibilities include:
- Creating warm, welcoming atmosphere for FVLC clients
- Answering the agency crisis line and providing callers with emotional support, resources, and referrals as needed
- Providing legal information and screening inquiries from callers seeking legal assistance
- Arranging appointments for legal clients
- Maintaining an accurate record of contacts on the agency’s database
- Assisting with office management as needed
Applicants must have:
- Compassion and empathy for survivors of domestic violence, with a strong ability to listen to and support people in crisis
- Ability to perform well in a fast-paced environment and respond to multiple task demands
- Domestic violence counselor certification (requires a 40-hour state mandated training that will be provided by the agency if needed)
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Basic computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office programs
- Ability to speak Spanish or another language is highly preferred
Volunteering as a Crisis Intervention Worker requires a minimum commitment of 4 hours per week for at least a year or 8 hours per week for at least 6 months. The Crisis Intervention Worker will be supervised by the Managing Advocate. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to: chenderson@fvlc.org.
Paralegal Internships
The paralegal internship program provides hands-on legal experience for students interested in family law. Paralegal Interns are expected to participate in one or more of the following:
- In-person and telephone crisis/options counseling
- Civil restraining order intake/preparation
- Legal research and writing, including drafting pleadings for court
- Court filings — learn to navigate the civil filing departments and retrieve court records and documents
- Case and legal file management
- Community outreach
The Paralegal Internship Program requires a minimum commitment of 8-12 hours per week. Paralegals will be supervised by the Managing Attorney and may be asked to complete assignments for anyone on the legal team. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to: kwhitehorse@fvlc.org.
Law Clerk Internship Program
FVLC’s clinical internship program provides hands-on legal and advocacy experience for law students. 2L or 3L students who have taken Evidence and are eligible for certification under the Practical Training of Law Students Program by the State Bar can represent FVLC clients in court, under the direct supervision of a FVLC attorney. 1L students and other students who have not taken Evidence will be able to participate in all aspects of the program except representing clients in court.
Interns are expected to participate in the following:
- In-person and telephone crisis/ options counseling;
- Civil restraining order intake/preparation
- Legal research and writing, including drafting pleadings for court
- Court appearances (Under guidance of a FVLC attorney: requires State Bar Certified Law Clerk certification)
- Case management
- Community outreach
The clinical internship program requires a minimum commitment of 10-12 hours per week during the Fall/Spring semesters, and 22.5 hours per week for a period of no less than ten weeks during the Summer. Academic credit is often available. Law Clerks will be supervised by the Managing Attorney and may be asked to complete assignments for anyone on the legal team. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to: kwhitehorse@fvlc.org.
Volunteer Attorney Program
The FVLC volunteer attorney program provides hands-on legal experience for lawyers who want to make a difference for domestic violence survivors in Alameda County. Volunteer attorneys can choose to participate in several different ways:
- Restraining order preparation at one of FVLC’s clinics
- Requires a commitment of 4-5 hours one time per week in the FVLC office
- Help our legal team assist survivors with their restraining order paperwork
- Option to represent clinic participants at their restraining order hearings
- Representation at retraining order hearings
- Requires a minimal commitment of 4-5 hours per case
- Represent clients whose paperwork was completed at a FVLC clinic or by our legal team
- Legal research and writing:
- On an as-needed basis – can be done in the FVLC office or off-site
Volunteer attorneys will be supervised by the Managing Attorney and will work closely with other members of the legal team. FVLC provides training for all aspects of the program. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to: kwhitehorse@fvlc.org.