WLP LogoMasthead Pictures


Volunteers: Telephone Counseling and Consumer Education Service

Program Description

The Women's Law Project's Telephone Counseling Service provides legal information to thousands of callers annually relating to domestic violence, separation and divorce, child support and custody, the legal rights of lesbian and gay parents, reproductive rights, employment, housing, and welfare. The overwhelming majority of our callers are women, most of them low-income. This service is staffed by volunteers who take information from callers about their concerns and provide legal information and extensive referrals in response.

Counselor Job Description (see PDF versionof Volunteer Job Description)

A Telephone Counselor interviews callers to identify their legal problems, helps separate legal from non-legal problems and provides useful referrals to other organizations. Counselors receive in-depth training and supervision to assure that the legal information they provide to callers is accurate and complete. Counselors need not have a background in law or social services.  The Women's Law Project provides preliminary and ongoing training, as well as close daily supervision. Initial training requires intensive reading on family law and other related issues, listening to other counselors take calls, and becoming familiarized with resources.

Job Requirements

  • At least 18 years old, mature and dependable
  • Able to learn and understand precise and detailed information
  • Able to navigate internet applications and use basic computer functions
  • Good written and oral skills
  • Compassionate listener
  • Able to communicate with and understand people from diverse backgrounds
  • Be understanding of and comfortable with feminist perspective
  • Spanish speakers are strongly encouraged to apply

Time Commitment

Counselor must be available for at least 8 hours per week between 9am and 5pm, Monday - Friday, for at least 16 weeks. Due to the nature of the service, counselors must work a minimum of two 4-hour shifts per week, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. or 1:00-5:00 p.m., on different days. Internships of 20 to 40 hours a week may be arranged. Volunteers with longer time commitments are highly desirable.

To apply, print and fill out the application form below and email to it to Dabney Miller as an attachment or send it by regular mail to Dabney Miller, Women's Law Project, 125 S. 9th Street, Suite 300, Philadelphia, PA 19107. You may also email Dabney Miller with any questions.