Volunteer
Be there for someone when they need it most
Grief is a universal human experience, yet it can feel incredibly lonely. Our Volunteer Group Leaders are the heart of our grief support services, co-facilitating grief support groups every other week. They show up for other people going through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
This role may be a fit for you if you are compassionate, kind, and a good listener. No experience needed. All you need is a desire to make an impact in your community.
What does a Volunteer Group Leader do?
Volunteer Group Leaders co-facilitate peer grief support groups for people who have experienced the death of someone close. Working alongside a co-leader, you'll help create a welcoming environment where group members can share their experiences, express their feelings, and support each other through grief.
In a group meeting, you're responsible for guiding conversation with open-ended questions, gently redirecting when needed, and debriefing with your co-leader after each session. Your role is to listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and keep the focus on the group members.
All volunteer group leaders receive comprehensive training and ongoing supervision from clinical staff. All groups are in person at our Center.
Volunteer opportunities
Adult track
Co-facilitate a peer grief support group for adults twice a month on a weekday evening, plus attend regular volunteer trainings and supervision sessions with clinical staff.
Children & teens track
Serve in our Family Grief Support Program (twice a month on Wednesday evenings) or School Grief Support Program (once a week during the day for 10 weeks), plus regular volunteer training and supervision sessions with clinical staff.
Start the process
Complete the inquiry form, then attend one of our upcoming info sessions and a group interview. If you're accepted and want to move forward, you'll be invited to an upcoming training. Upon successful completion, trainees are offered placement as volunteer group leaders. All volunteers complete a background check prior to group assignment.
Submit your interest formAlready a volunteer? Sign in to the volunteer portal.
Complete the form, then select an upcoming info session to learn more about Our House NYC, the role, training, and next steps.
After the info session, you'll receive a link to complete your application. Upon completion, you'll be invited to attend an upcoming group interview with other interested volunteers. If you and our staff believe it's a good fit, you'll be invited to an upcoming training.
Approximately 20 hours through a mix of online modules and in-person sessions, created and led by our clinical team.
After a background check, you are matched with a co-leader and a group by our clinical staff.
Volunteer training
About 20 hours, in two parts
Created and led by our clinical team.
Online learning · about 10 hours
- Self-paced learning modules complement our in-person facilitation skills training and are sent two weeks before the in-person training.
- Modules cover the history of Our House, an overview of grief education, and the Our House NYC model.
- The online learning portion takes an estimated total of 10 hours to complete.
In-person training · about 10 hours
- Role-play real group moments with our clinical team.
- Build facilitation skills: asking open-ended questions, gently redirecting, and keeping the focus on group members.
- Connect with fellow volunteers.
Upcoming training dates
Upcoming trainings · October
October 22, 9am – 5pm
“As a volunteer, I have seen members begin group unable to speak about the death of their person. At the end of the sessions, I have had the privilege of witnessing a transformation — people recognize they have a community of grievers in which to share their pain. The grief remains, but they see they are not alone.”
Volunteer FAQ
“Our House's volunteers and their support group were invaluable to me in helping me better understand my grief, find coping mechanisms, and find a safe place to be sad and find my way again.”
— Mark, Grief Support Group Member
Do I need to have experienced grief myself?
Many of our volunteers have experienced the death of someone close, but others have not. If someone close to you has died, we do ask that at least two years have passed, so you can be fully present for others.
Do I need to be a therapist or mental health professional?
No. Most of our volunteers aren't involved in the mental health field. We look for compassionate, dependable people who are good listeners and willing to learn and implement our model.
What kind of training will I receive?
Every volunteer completes approximately 20 hours of training in total, a mix of online self-paced learning modules and live in-person training at our Center. Our clinical team covers grief theory, facilitation skills, group dynamics, safety protocols, and the Our House NYC approach to peer support, plus supervision every other week while you are leading a group.
Am I leading the group on my own?
No. Every support group is co-facilitated by two trained Volunteer Group Leaders and supported by licensed clinical staff. You will be matched with a co-lead based on your preferences, program needs, and clinical staff placement decisions.
Is this therapy?
No. Our House NYC provides peer support, and we don't ask or expect our volunteers to serve as grief group therapists. Volunteer Group Leaders co-create a welcoming environment where group members can share their experiences without judgment and connect with others who understand. Clinical staff oversee all programs and are available whenever additional support is needed.
What types of groups can I volunteer with?
You may co-lead an adult grief support group, a Family Support Program children's group, or a school grief support group. Some volunteers feel strongly inclined to work solely with adults, or solely with children. If you are open to either, we may ask you to train for a specific program based on which program we need more volunteers. We take Volunteer Group Leader preferences into account regarding specific group placement (i.e., preferred age range and relationship), but final placements are made by our clinical team after training.
Can I lead an online group?
All of our groups are currently held in person at our Center near Bryant Park.
I'd like to help out another way. Are there other opportunities besides being a group leader?
We don't currently have opportunities for volunteers outside of the Group Leader role. Please keep returning to this page in the future, as such opportunities may become available.
What if I have to miss a group session?
Unforeseen circumstances arise, and we have protocols in place if a volunteer must miss a session. In all programs, please communicate absences as early as possible.
What happens after I submit the Volunteer Interest Form?
You'll be invited to attend a Volunteer Information Session to learn more about Our House NYC, the volunteer role, training, and next steps. If the role feels like a good fit, you'll be invited to complete the full application process.
Is there any compensation?
There is no compensation for leading a group. This is strictly a volunteer opportunity.
Interested in supporting grieving New Yorkers?
Complete the volunteer interest form and we'll invite you to an upcoming information session.