Victim Intervention Program at New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital

The Victim Intervention Program’s volunteer advocates assist survivors of sexual assault, family and intimate partner violence in the emergency department of New York-Presbyterian Queens. As first responders and crucial members of the team, our advocates play a vital role and make tremendous difference in the lives of survivors, family members, and friends in the immediate aftermath of a trauma. Advocates volunteer their time and energy to ensure that survivors’ voices are heard, safety is assured, immediate needs are met, and appropriate linkages to important resources are established.

Our advocates are at least 21 years of age, and of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. They all share a commitment in wanting to address the needs of survivors and their families during their most vulnerable moments.

This volunteer opportunity requires participants to choose three shifts per month (daytime or overnight) in which they will be on-call. If they receive a call from the emergency department, they must be able to arrive at our hospital to support a patient within 30 minutes. On-call shifts can be chosen for overnights (8pm-8am) or during the day (8am-8pm).

Volunteers must be certified by the Department of Health in order to hold the advocate position, requiring the completion of a 40 hour training .

The mandatory training dates are below:

Zoom Sessions:

• Sat, March 6, 9am-6pm
• Sun, March 7, 9am-6pm
• Thursday, March 11, 6pm-8pm
• Sat, March 13, 9am-6pm
• Sun, March 14, 9am-6pm
• Sat, March 20, 9am-4:30pm

In-Person Orientation:

• Wednesday, April 28, 6pm-7:45pm

Volunteers must also:

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting survivors of interpersonal violence.
• Reach the emergency department of New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital located at 56-45 Main St. Flushing, New York, within 30 minutes . Note: Transportation via car service is reimbursed.
• Comply with medical clearance standards, including vaccine requirements for flu and COVID.
• Sign up for at least three on-call shifts per month
• Make at least a one year commitment to the program.

If interested, please apply on Idealist directly. For questions, please reach coordinator Irene Binder Palumbo at

Apply by February 1, 2027

Shifts available 7 Days Per Week:

• On-Call Day Shift: 8:00AM to 8PM
• On-Call Night Shift: 8:00PM to 8AM