Volunteer & Internships
Help us support parents and families
Volunteer on the Parenting Stress Helpline
A rewarding volunteer opportunity for mental health/social work students, retirees, parents and caregivers, and anyone who wishes to make a difference in the lives of parents and their families.
Volunteers receive 32-hours of pre-service training and
ongoing support during every helpline shift.
Learn more below and contact Helpline Coordinator, Vanessa Hernandez at vhernandez@familypaths.org with questions.
NOTE: We are no longer accepting applications for Fall 2025 placement. Information for Fall 2026 will be available in Spring 2026.
Helpline Volunteer Details
Qualifications
Empathy & Compassion
Curiosity
Open to learning
Committed to improving the well-being of families
No counseling or parenting experience is required
Training
Must attend pre-service training dates:
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Friday 9/12 10AM-5PM
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Saturday 9/13 10AM-5PM
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Saturday 9/27 10AM-2PM
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Friday 10/03 10AM-5PM
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Saturday 10/04 10AM-5PM
Complete self-paced online training modules
Attend 2–3 observation shifts (Sept 12–Oct 3, 2 hours each).
Duties
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
Help update our Community Resource Database
Opportunities
Attend clinical trainings offered by Family Paths and other agencies (usually weekdays)
Help with Community Outreach Events
Create promotional materials, resource guides, and more
Have questions about volunteering on the Helpline?
Contact Helpline Coordinator, Vanessa Hernandez at vhernandez@familypaths.org
Helpline Volunteers
What they’re saying
Volunteering on the Helpline allows me the opportunity to help support parents and families in a welcoming, caring environment.
~ Johanna
There is so much information out there shaming parents for what they should and shouldn’t do. I want to be one person who offers a non-judgmental ear so that parents can feel heard and supported.
~ Rachel
I volunteered because I love the field of child development, parenting, and mental health and it helps my own mental health to feel useful to others.
~ Beth
Become a Counseling Intern
NOTE: Due to some planned reorganization in 2026, the agency will be pausing our Clinical Intern Program at the end of August 2026 to allow time for reflection and strategic decision-making on the best way forward with our intern program to meet our community needs and organizational goals. Our hope is to have our this program continue after the pause. Please check this site for continued updates.
For more than 20 years, we have welcomed an annual cohort of 5-6 interns, who receive clinical experience providing outpatient therapy for children, families, and adults who are parents.
This sought-after placement is for one year in our Oakland or Hayward office, with possibility of a second year.
Counseling Internship Details
Internships begin in September and run for one year.
Qualifications
2nd year graduate students in counseling, psychology, social work or registered interns.
Bilingual capability is highly desired, especially English/Spanish.
Clinically relevant experience working with:
– children and/or parents
– culturally diverse populations
– trauma and loss
Commitment
20-24 hours over 3 days per week for a full calendar year
Must be available Tuesdays 9am-2pm for trainings, meetings and group supervision.
Other days are flexible,
but must include at least one evening and at least two afternoons.
Duties
Provide outpatient therapy to children, families, couples and adults.
Provide support for our classes and group sessions.
Option to work a weekly
2-hour shift on our Parenting Stress Helpline. This requires a few Saturday trainings.
We Offer
Annual Stipend:
$2,500 for trainees
$3,000 for registered interns
Individual and group supervision weekly.
Excellent didactic trainings.
Supportive and collegial work environment.