Volunteer Mental Health Professional

About Us

Southern Cross Service Dogs is a nonprofit organization dedicated to training and placing exceptional service dogs with U.S. military veterans at no cost to the veteran. As our organization continues to grow, we are expanding our veteran support services to better assist applicants throughout the placement process.

We are currently seeking a compassionate and experienced Volunteer Mental Health Professional to help support veterans applying to our service dog program.

Position Overview

This volunteer role will support veteran applicants who may be experiencing delays in accessing mental health services through the VA or other providers. The selected professional will provide short-term support, guidance, and mental health counseling to select applicants during the interim period while they await formal care.

This individual will also assist our organization by conducting internal applicant screenings and helping assess a veteran’s readiness and ability to successfully integrate with a service dog.

This is an opportunity to help shape and build an important support division within our nonprofit organization while making a direct impact on the lives of veterans.

Responsibilities

• • Provide short-term supportive counseling to select veteran applicants
  • Conduct internal applicant screenings and complete assessment documentation related to service dog placement readiness
  • Help evaluate factors related to a veteran’s lifestyle, mental health stability, and support system
  • Collaborate with our leadership team regarding applicant recommendations and support needs
  • Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical standards in all interactions
  • Serve as a resource for veteran mental health support and referrals when appropriate
  • Assist in developing best practices and procedures for this growing area of the organization

Preferred Qualifications

• • Licensed mental health professional, including but not limited to:
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
  • Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)
  • Psychologist (PhD/PsyD)
  • Psychiatrist (MD/DO)
  • Equivalent licensed behavioral health professional
  • Experience working with veterans and military populations preferred
  • Familiarity with:
  • Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS/PTSD)
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
  • Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
  • Experience working with the VA, veteran support organizations, or military-connected systems preferred
  • Strong communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills
  • Prior volunteer experience preferred (2+ years ideal)

Time Commitment

This role is designed to be low time commitment and flexible based on applicant volume. Estimated involvement may vary month to month.

Why Volunteer With Us?

• • Help directly impact veterans in need
  • Become part of a growing mission-driven nonprofit organization
  • Help shape and develop a new veteran support initiative
  • Collaborate with a passionate team dedicated to saving and improving lives through service dogs