Volunteer Support Group Advocate Service Description 2025
Volunteer Support Group Advocates will co-facilitate support groups for individuals impacted by domestic and sexual violence in Merrimack County. The Support Group Volunteer will work collaboratively with the direct service team and volunteer coordinator help create a safe, empowering, and supportive environment for survivors to connect, share their experiences, and foster healing.
Service Responsibilities:
- Assist with the planning process and screening paperwork to ensure a safe and welcoming group dynamic.
- Co-facilitate regularly scheduled support group sessions for survivors, either in person or virtually, as needed.
- Work collaboratively with staff to plan and implement group activities and discussions that align with the needs and interests of survivors.
- Foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere within the group, ensuring all participants feel safe, respected, and heard.
- Model empathetic, non-judgmental, and survivor-centered support, encouraging peer support and connection among group members.
- Assist participants in accessing information and resources relevant to their healing journey, including referrals to community services when appropriate.
- Maintain accurate and confidential records of group attendance and any relevant observations, adhering to Thrive NH policies.
- Participate in ongoing training and supervision with the volunteer coordinator to enhance group facilitation skills and understanding of trauma-informed practices.
- Adhere to Thrive NH policies and confidentiality guidelines; specifically providing culturally competent and trauma-informed services to all clients and guests of Thrive.
Qualifications:
- Must be 18 years or older and reside in the state of New Hampshire.
- Must be able to pass NH Criminal Background Check.
- Experience leading/facilitating difficult group conversations is required.
- Background in social work, mental health/psychology, women's gender studies strongly preferred.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including active listening, empathy, and group facilitation abilities.
- Ability to maintain a calm and supportive presence in a group setting.
- Excellent organizational and collaborative skills.
- Strong commitment to confidentiality and client privacy is critical.
- Those with past lived experience (a minimum of 2 years ago) and/or those who are members of marginalized groups (LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, immigrant/refugees, etc.) are encouraged to volunteer to help us better represent those we serve.
- Given the nature of this service role, volunteer must be outside of 18-24 month timeframe of most recent activation due to past related trauma and/or 24 months post receiving services from Thrive NH.
Time Commitment:
- PRE: Participate and complete thirty (30) hour preservice confidentiality training.
- POST: Complete six (6) hours of continuing education annually.
- ANNUALLY: One (1) full year of service.
- MONTHLY: Minimum of 20 hours of service per month (with flexible combinations)
