Remote Peer Counselor with Empower Work- Support Workers in Crisis. Build Skills That Last a Lifetime.

Every day, people across the U.S. turn to Empower Work when they’re facing a work crisis—whether it’s a sudden termination, a toxic manager, discrimination, or a loss of direction. As a Volunteer Peer Counselor, you’ll provide immediate, confidential support via text or chat to help people feel heard, grounded, and equipped to take their next step forward.

Through our comprehensive 18-hour training (completed over five weeks), you’ll learn to coach people through moments that truly matter.

Why This Work Matters

Empower Work is a national nonprofit ensuring that everyone—no matter their job or industry—feels valued, supported, and empowered at work. In 2025, we hit a milestone of supporting nearly half a million workers. Over 94% of texters report feeling better after just one conversation.

Our support line runs because of dedicated volunteers like you.

Hear From a Volunteer

“I’ve learned that people often just need someone to truly listen as they process their experience. Volunteering at Empower Work helped me put empathy into action and better identify when to validate, acknowledge, and champion others.”

— Ebele, Volunteer Peer Counselor

What You’ll Do as a Volunteer Peer Counselor

Our Peer Counselors provide non-judgmental, real-time support to people navigating difficult work situations. You’ll help workers gain clarity, feel less alone, and identify actionable next steps.

We welcome volunteers from all career backgrounds who are curious, empathetic, and committed to supporting others.

After completing training, you’ll:

• Choose flexible 2-hour remote shifts (available 7AM–7PM PT, Monday–Friday)
• Receive live supervisor support during every shift
• Use Empower Work’s AI-powered tools for real-time guidance and post-session feedback
• Earn a LinkedIn-Certified Empower Work Peer Counselor Badge after 50 hours of service

What You’ll Learn (5-Week Online Training)

Our structured program is grounded in coaching fundamentals. You’ll build skills in:

• Empathy and emotional attunement
• Active and deep listening
• Powerful open-ended questioning
• Clear, supportive communication

Volunteers often describe these skills as transformative—useful not only in counseling but in leadership, management, and everyday life.

Why Volunteers Love This Role

• Make a meaningful impact. 94% of our help seekers report improved mental health, 90% say they have taken an action that felt right for them, and 80% report improved financial security.
• Grow professionally. Over 95% of volunteers report gaining new communication and coaching skills they use at work.
• Join a compassionate national community. You’ll be part of a mission-driven group committed to creating healthier workplaces.
• Set your own schedule. Remote, flexible, and built for people with busy lives.

What Help Seekers Say

"I came to this site 3 years ago on the off chance I could just speak to anyone about what was going on with my job. Y'all helped me so much then, and so much today. Thank you for what you do."

“Within an hour, I received the best support I’ve had in my entire life. I’ll never forget that feeling of someone helping me rebuild my sandcastle after every wave had knocked it down.”

“This situation was so difficult for me—I honestly don’t know what I would have done without your counselors. They took it to a positive place and helped me build on it.”

Upcoming 5-Week Training Cohorts

• Cohort 23: Application Deadline 01/18 | Training 01/26–02/27
• Cohort 24: Application Deadline 03/08 | Training 03/16–04/17
• Cohort 25: Application Deadline 05/03 | Training 05/11–06/12
• Cohort 26: Application Deadline 07/05 | Training 07/13–08/14
• Cohort 28: Application Deadline 09/13 | Training 09/21–10/23
• Cohort 29: Application Deadline 10/25 | Training 11/02–12/11

Ready to Make a Difference?

Take 10 minutes to apply and join our next training cohort:

empowerwork.org/volunteer

Want to Learn More?

Watch our video to learn more: Empower Work: The New Workplace Confidante https://www.youtube.com/embed/LAD5gJzneZ8

Learn more about our impact from volunteers and those we support and explore real outcomes in our 2024 Impact Report: https://www.empowerwork.org/impact2024

If you have any questions, we’d love to hear from you: volunteer@empowerwork.org