Volunteer Peer Counselor

Women of Color On The Move (WOCOTM) is a nonprofit organization founded on the vision of healing, empowerment, and transformation for women and families who have been historically marginalized. Since our founding, we have worked tirelessly to create pathways of support, education, and leadership for women of color-especially those impacted by poverty, trauma, substance abuse, and systemic injustice. Why Volunteer With Us? Volunteering with WOCOTM is more than giving back-it’s becoming part of a movement. When you join us, you support a grassroots force for change. Whether your skills are in administration, outreach, mentorship, mental health, event planning, or simply showing up-you are needed, and your impact is real.

Join us in helping women and communities heal, rise, and move forward.

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Volunteer Peer Counselor

Position Title Volunteer Peer Counselor

Reports To Program Manager / Program Director

Location Community-Based / Virtual / Hybrid

Employment Type Volunteer / Stipend (depending on program)

Position Summary

The Peer Counselor provides emotional support, guidance, and resource referrals to individuals within the community by drawing on shared life experiences and cultural understanding. The Peer Counselor helps participants navigate challenges related to health, wellness, education, employment, family support, and social services.

This role focuses on building trust, promoting empowerment, and supporting individuals in achieving personal goals while connecting them with community resources.

Key Responsibilities

Peer Support & Counseling

• Provide one-on-one peer support sessions to participants in a respectful and non-judgmental manner.
• Share lived experiences when appropriate to build trust and connection.
• Help participants develop coping strategies and problem-solving skills.
  
  

• Connect participants with community resources such as healthcare, housing, food assistance, education programs, and employment services.
• Provide accurate information about available programs and services.
  
  

• Provide basic education and guidance related to health, mental wellness, parenting, or other program-specific topics.
• Encourage healthy behaviors and self-advocacy.
  
  

• Participate in community outreach activities, workshops, and events.
• Support recruitment and engagement of program participants.
  
  

• Maintain confidential records of participant interactions and services provided.
• Complete required reports and program documentation.
  
  

• Work closely with program staff, case managers, and community partners.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and supervision sessions.
  
  

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in social work, Public Health, Psychology, Counseling, or related field preferred.
  
  

• Lived experience related to the community or population served.
• Experience in peer support, community outreach, mentoring, or advocacy preferred.
  
  

• Strong listening and communication skills
• Ability to build trust and rapport
• Cultural humility and respect for diverse communities
• Problem-solving and resource navigation skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
  
  

• Training in peer counseling, mental health first aid, or community health work.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities.
• Experience working with underserved or marginalized communities.
  
  

Core Competencies

• Empathy and compassion
• Cultural competency
• Integrity and confidentiality
• Community engagement
• Advocacy and empowerment
  
  

Working Conditions

• Work may occur in community settings, offices, homes, or virtual environments.
• Some evening or weekend hours may be required for outreach events.
  
  

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all Volunteers and participants. Individuals from diverse backgrounds, including women, people of color, and those with lived experiences relevant to the communities served, are strongly encouraged to apply.