Volunteers Needed for new Animal Agriculture Helpline

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Would you like to be a part of a new support service which helps disadvantaged workers, community members, and abused animals?

In Defense of Animals seeks volunteers who are interested in being a part of a new support service called the AAWC (Animal Agriculture Workers and Community) support line.

The AAWC aims to connect vulnerable workers in animal agriculture with essential services including: access to affordable health care, information on minimum work rights, legal representation, career counseling, education/training services, emotional support, and an anonymous outlet to report animal cruelty. This support service will be free, confidential, and available via phone or email. Full telephone and e-counseling training will be provided. This position is ideal for someone who has a background in mental health, social work, or someone with a passion to help both people and animals. If you have the skills outlined below, we hope to hear from you!

Skills and Requirements:

Volunteers must be empathic, non-judgmental, and able to be on call for one day per week. We offer a variety of shift options, including weekdays and weekends. Counselors choose their desired three-hour shift according to their personal schedules. Bilingual (Spanish/English) language skills are a plus, but not required.

You will need an Internet connection and computer access for this volunteer position. Helpline counselors answer calls & return messages from home, directed to them via a Toll Free number. An answering service connects the caller to the counselor to maintain confidentiality.

Training:

Volunteer counselors will participate in free online training and will receive a downloadable AAWC support line handbook. During the training program, counselors will learn how to focus on the caller, listen effectively, problem solve, gain rapport, and provide the caller with emotional support and community resources to address their situation over the long-term. Counselors receive a paraprofessional training certificate upon successful completion of the online course.

How to Apply

Please email a cover letter and resume to nadia@idausa.org for further information.

*IDA can provide a letter of recommendation in exchange for volunteer services.