Volunteers are a vital component of the Family Justice Centers. All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and are asked to make a minimum commitment of six months, for a minimum of one four-hour shift per week. Volunteers must agree to a background check and attend 10 hours of training prior to starting to work at the FJC. If you are interested in volunteering at our centers, please call the center you are interested in at the number below:

Brooklyn Center: (718) 250-5117. 
QueensCenter: (718) 575-4503.
BronxCenter: (718) 508-1220.

Direct Service Opportunities
Non-Direct Service Opportunities
Application Process
Interview Process
Volunteer Code of Conduct

Direct Services Opportunities

Client Care Assistant
Client care assistants work closely with the intake, reception, and case management staff to help clients access services at the FJC.

Tasks may include:

• Escorting clients from the lobby security desk to the FJC offices.
• Managing the FJC Hospitality Suite to ensure a comfortable environment for clients between appointments.
• Directing clients to the appropriate reception area.
• Answering telephones, completing telephone referrals, and greeting incoming clients.
• Escorting clients to and from appointments at the FJC.
• Providing coverage for FJC reception staff.

Requirements:
Standard FJC volunteer applicant requirements plus demonstrated experience working with people in crisis and sensitivity to the issue of domestic violence.

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Youth Advocate
Youth and childcare volunteers assist in the Children’s Room with daily on-site children’s programming while parents are interviewed nearby.

Tasks may include:

• Reading books.
• Age-appropriate game play.
• Supervising educational videos.
• Supervising arts and craft activities.
• Assisting older children with homework assignments.

Non-Direct Service Opportunities

Office Assistant
Working under the supervision of the administrative staff, office assistants provide administrative support to the FJC.

Tasks may include:

• Answering the FJC business telephone line.
• Assisting with the distribution of mail.
• Filing support.
• Data entry support.
• Other administrative support as assigned.

Requirements: 
Standard FJC volunteer applicant requirements plus experience in providing administrative office support, demonstrated attention to detail, and ability to work independently.

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Data Entry and Analysis Assistant
Working under the supervision of the FJC administrative staff, data entry assistants provide administrative support to the FJC.

Tasks may include:

• Analysis of comprehensive data on delivery of domestic violence services in Brooklyn.
• Data entry to provide statistics on the use of services.
• Generating reports as needed.
• Other administrative support as assigned.

Application Process

Volunteers working at the FJC must be at least 18 years of age and agree to do the following:

• Fully complete the Volunteer Application.
• Make a six month commitment to the FJC.
• Work a minimum of four hours per week.
• Complete the FJC criminal background check process, which includes submitting a fully completed NYC Family Justice Center Volunteer/Staff Emergency Contact Form and resume to the Director of Intake Services to facilitate clearance through the State Central Registry for child abuse and fingerprinting by the New York City Police Department.
• Complete interview with the Director of Intake Services.
• Complete the Volunteer mandatory training.
• Follow the FJC policies and procedures as outlined in the Operational Manual.
• Sign and uphold the Volunteer Code of Conduct (see below).

All volunteers must complete the mandatory volunteer training program before starting at the FJC. 

Training topics include:

• FJC Orientation.
• Domestic Violence 101.
• Police and Criminal Justice Response.
• Family Court/Civil Legal Services.
• Immigration 101.

Interview Process

Each volunteer for the FJC will be required to complete an interview with the Director of Intake Services. The interview process is designed to cover the following information:

• Previous work/volunteer experience.
• Review of volunteer’s application.
• Volunteer position preference.
• Availability of work days and shifts.
• Suitability for the position.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with little or no supervision.

Volunteer Code of Conduct

Dress:
Appropriate professional attire is required of all persons who work at the FJC.

Identification Cards:
All persons working at the FJC must wear and make visible their FJC identification card at all times.

Confidentiality: 
All client information handled at the FJC is confidential. Volunteers must sign a Confidentiality Agreement before they begin their work, agreeing not to release any client information, except as required by law. Violation of the Confidentiality Agreement will result in termination of any work performed by the individual at the FJC.

Operational Policy: 
Volunteers are expected to uphold the mission and objectives of the Family Justice Center by following the policies and procedures in the Operational Manual.

Reliability and Attendance:

• All volunteers are expected to arrive on time, and be present for their entire shift, unless alternative arrangements have been made and approved by the Director of Intake Services.
• All volunteers must sign in at the beginning and end of each shift.
• Any volunteer who is unable to work their scheduled shift due to illness or family emergency should contact the Director of Intake Services.
• Any volunteer who needs to change their schedule, or take days off, must notify the Director of Intake Services one week in advance.
• A volunteer who is absent for two separate shifts without proper notification to the Director of Intake Services will be dismissed from their volunteer position.

Client Contact:

• All visitors to the FJC should be treated with courtesy and respect.
• Volunteers are responsible for helping to ensure that the FJC is a comfortable and reassuring environment.
• Volunteers will maintain professional boundaries with all clients at all times.
• If a client is in need of services, volunteers will bring the client’s concerns to the attention of the FJC Administrative Staff.

Training: 
Volunteers are expected to attend all required training sessions that are a part of the volunteer program, and take initiative in learning about and understanding domestic violence.