PADV Volunteer Advocate Information & Opportunities

Join the PADV Team!

Become an advocate for domestic violence survivors and their children. PADV recognizes the contribution that volunteers make to the success of our agency. With the assistance of dedicated volunteers, we are able to continue our mission of supporting women and their children in their efforts to live violence free. PADV utilizes volunteers in a variety of positions and has created a program that not only meets the needs of our agency, but also is flexible enough to meet the needs of today's volunteer. As we operate shelters in both Fulton and Gwinnett counties, we are willing to work with each volunteer to find the placement location that is most convenient. Additionally, with evening and weekend opportunities available, we are flexible enough for the traditional work schedule.

All Volunteers must be 18 years or older.

Training and Involvement:
For all Volunteer Advocate positions, an orientation/general training is required. For certain positions, including Crisis Line Volunteer Advocates and Support Group Facilitators, additional job-specific training is required prior to placement. Once placed, we require all Crisis Line Volunteer Advocates to commit to 9 hours a month for 6 months of volunteering. All other volunteers are required to fulfill 6 hours a month for a 6-month commitment.

Volunteer Advocate Opportunities

Facilities Assistant - Provides general assistance to the shelter staff. Activities may include organizing the shelter facility, maintenance of inventory, attending special events with shelter residents, updating shelter resources, donation pickup, administrative assistance, assisting shelter staff in large shopping trips (grocery store), transporting clients and cleaning and general maintenance.

Administrative - Provides general assistance at our administrative office in Decatur. Responsibilities may include general clerical duties, receiving and directing phone calls, and providing general assistance to administrative staff.

Special Events - Provides assistance in the planning of agency special events, assists in program preparation, site preparation, and program follow up. Attends special event. This position does not include activities with shelter residents.

Childcare - Provides childcare supervision to children currently residing at the shelter or for the children of women participating in community support groups.

Legal Advocate - Works with Legal Advocate to assist clients through legal system. Attends court with clients and staff. Provides general support to legal services staff.

Shelter Advocate/Crisis Line - Operates either the Gwinnett or Fulton County 24-hour crisis line. Assists with management of communications office. Records statistical information from crisis calls and referrals. Assists clients in getting settled. Works with supervisor towards developing and implementing personal goals.

Support Group Facilitator - Helps guide the process of support groups and ensure s the physical and emotional safety of all group members during the support group. Six (6) months of volunteer service are required for this position.

Group Opportunities for Corporations,
Civic and Church Groups

We welcome the participation of community groups. Groups may become involved in a variety of ways:

Off-Site - (PADV staff member would arrange for pickup of items) Group drives for items such as: twin size bedding, shoes, nonperishable foods, towels/washcloths, and children's items (books, toys, art supplies) - Contact PADV for a copy of the agency's wish list. Pot Luck dinners: meals prepared off-site in disposable containers to feed shelter residents for an evening.

On-Site - (Volunteer Director meets with the group in advance to have confidentiality agreements signed and to review shelter protocol)

Painting (interior and exterior)

Landscaping

Cleaning

General shelter improvements

Prior to submitting your application, you must participate in a volunteer assessment over the phone. Please call the Volunteer Director today at 404.273.1235 to begin the process. Applications will not be accepted without a telephone assessment.

How to Sign Up in 5 Easy Steps

Step 1
Call the Volunteer Director at 404.273.1235 for a quick 5 - minute telephone interview.

Step 2
Click here to view and print the Volunteer Application Form. Return completed form to P.O. Box 170225, Atlanta, GA 30317 or fax your form to 404.870.9611.

Step 3
Click here to view and print the Background Information Form. Return completed form to P.O. Box 170225, Atlanta, GA 30317 or fax your form to 404.870.9611.

Step 4
Click here to view and print the Reference Form. You must submit 2 references.

Step 5
Click here to view and print the Volunteer Agreement Form. You must sign and return the form in order to volunteer.

For additional information, please contact the Volunteer Director at:
404.273.1235
or at
info@padv.org.