VOLUNTEER Opportunities
More parents than ever have cancer. That means more kids are facing the challenge of a parent’s diagnosis.
We need you to help change the status quo for kids whose parents have cancer! We’re actively recruiting graduate students to become skilled volunteer Youth Program Facilitators. This unpaid volunteer opportunity is ideal for those interested in youth-oriented, whole-family mental health and healthcare.
At this time, all facilitators must be located in the United States.
Important Dates
To join us as a Youth Program Facilitator for our Winter 2027 session, complete and submit the volunteer application form by Friday, October 30.
Group assignments are made with volunteer preferences in mind.
All new volunteers must attend a Virtual Youth Facilitator Training Session before they begin.
Upcoming training session options:
Wednesday, December 9th 5-7PM CT
OR
Sunday, December 13th 12-2PM CT
Volunteer Qualifications
Graduate-level students focused on Child Life, Nursing, Oncology, Social Work, Psychology, or other related fields. Similarly-qualified people are welcome to apply.
At least one year of direct experience working with children and families
21 years of age or older
Must pass a background check
At this time, all facilitators must be located in the United States
Two Virtual Youth Programs
Volunteers can facilitate one or both programs
Approx. 24 hours (2, 5 week cohorts +prebrief)
Half year commitment (2, 5-week cohorts, meets on Sundays)
Gain valuable experience more quickly
Meet 2 different groups of kids
Opportunity to work with various age groups
Exposure to early and advanced stage cancer experiences
4-5:30pm Eastern / 3:00-4:30pm Central / 2:00-3:30pm Mountain / 1-2:30pm Pacific (Plus 30 minute prep time + 20 minute debrief after each session)
Approx. 20 hours (9 months of program + prebrief)
Full school year commitment (9 monthly meetings, every 3rd Sunday October-June)
Build deeper relationships with the same kids throughout the year
Exposure to advance-stage cancer experiences and bereavement
Collaborate with Peer Leaders (older Pickles kids who are leveraging their personal experience and trained to support other kids)
2-3pm Eastern / 1-2pm Central / 12-1pm Mountain / 1-12pm Pacific (Plus 30 minute prep time + 30 minute debrief after each session)
What You’ll Do as a Volunteer Youth Facilitator
Co-lead and actively participate in virtual or in-person activities, games, and structured fun for school-aged kids and teens impacted by parental cancer, separated into groups based on age, development, and circumstances.
Review curriculum and all materials designed and provided by Kelsey Mora, CCLS, LCPC, our Chief Clinical Officer, to feel prepared to facilitate with ease.
Support and customize the experience to fit the curriculum and your group.
Additional Opportunities may include:
Access to professional development from Chief Clinical Officer
Supporting and facilitating for Pickles Group at signature events
Attending industry-related conferences as a Pickles representative
Relationship-development with prestigious hospital systems
Career-specific Family Outreach, like new family referral and intake calls
Know someone who might be interested? Share our flyer with them.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
Day-Of Event Volunteers: Nationwide
We’re recruiting community volunteers represent and support Pickles Group at Day-Of (one day) events throughout the year to help us serve more families. This is an opportunity for volunteers nationwide to support Pickles kids. Learn more here. Applications are open and accepted on a rolling basis.
Some examples of ways Day-Of volunteers will have the opportunity make an impact:
Table at Recruitment Events and Fairs
Support Signature Program Events
Visit Hospitals and Partners
Promote Pickles Group Online
Contribute to Other One-Day Opportunities
And more!