Join a Clinic TeamIt is critical that volunteers’ schedules permit a commitment to a regular evening or afternoon shift for at least three months. There is a formal application, screening process, and background check to become a Walk-In Counseling Center volunteer. |
|
Receptionists
Counselors
Supervisors
Other ways to volunteer
Benefits of volunteering
Our volunteer counselors and supervisors have considerable networking opportunities; learn from others who have different training, professional experience and personal backgrounds; have an opportunity to work with a very wide range/diversity of clients; have access to training; and are involved in group consultation on an ongoing basis.
Our volunteer receptionists learn about counseling and therapy through group consultation, access to resources on mental health topics, contact with professionals in the mental health field and other opportunities that expand knowledge and skills in the mental health field.
Walk-In provides excellent clinical supervision for volunteers, as well as free training on various topics throughout the year that qualify for up to 12 continuing education credits.
Receptionists
Walk-In looks for receptionists who have good interpersonal skills, empathy, good judgment, attention to detail and the ability to function as part of a team. Some background in psychology or the social sciences is helpful. Commitment to community service and reliability are essential.
Examples of people who volunteer as receptionists include undergraduate students in psychology or social work, people considering a career transition to the mental health field, first year graduate students, retirees and others dedicated to ensuring that mental health services are accessible.
Our volunteer receptionists:
- Greet walk-in clients
- Answer phones and provide information about clinic services and referrals to community resources
- Coordinate clinic paperwork
- Participate in team case conferences, during which treatment plans are developed and reviewed
Counselors
Walk-In’s volunteer counselors must have an advanced degree in psychology, social work or other related programs and at least 75 hours of supervised practice.
Our volunteer counselors:
- Facilitate individual or couples counseling with walk-in clients
- Provide information and referrals to community resources
- Complete assessments as needed
- Carry one to two ongoing clients outside of clinic times and follow-up with clients by phone when necessary.
Supervisors
Walk-In’s volunteer supervisors must have the clinical experience required of counselors and have supervisory work experience or complete Walk-In’s Supervisory Training program, offered annually.
Supervisors work with individual counselors and the team as a whole to:
- Review cases and identify appropriate treatment alternatives and resources
- Assist with difficult cases or crises
- Monitor and sign case notes
- Provide overall support and professional oversight to the team and clinic.
Other ways to volunteer
Please contact Mary Weeks, executive director at 612-870-0565 x 109, or mweeks@walkin.org if you are interested in volunteering with Walk-In in another capacity.
Consult with counselors about their ongoing cases.
Because of time constraints, team consultation time focuses on walk-in clients. Counselors are expected to carry two or more ongoing clients and need to consult on those cases as well. Consultation can occur by phone or in person at the convenience of the consultant and counselor.
Provide training.
If you have a unique area of mental health knowledge or expertise, consider offering training for Walk-In volunteers. Who knows, maybe you'll become one of them!
Supervise graduate students.
Walk-In offers a perfect venue for graduate students in social work, psychology, marriage and family therapy, counseling, etc. Many students have trouble finding a field placement sight because of the lack of professionals willing to supervise. We have been very successful in managing this challenge. Please consider joining us as we help to prepare new professionals for the field of mental health.
