Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteer with Empower Spinal Cord Injury Throughout the Year or During Our Summer Programs!
Summer Volunteer Positions
Applications open January 1
Deadline for ALL APPLICATIONS is March 15, 2026
Adult West Program (Missoula, Montana)
June 8-14, 2026
Adult Northeast Program (East Greenwich, RI)
August 9-16, 2026
Teen and Young Adult Program (East Greenwich, RI)
July 26-August 1, 2026
"Understanding that people can live normal lives outside of their disability. It is different when you just go through a textbook and read things, but it’s different to see how these injuries work, and how it can inhibit someone’s lifestyle."
— Cherelle, Residential Aid Volunteer
Clinical Specialist
Clinical Specialists bring discipline-specific expertise to EmpowerSCI’s interdisciplinary rehabilitation model, working directly with participants to build skills, confidence, and independence after spinal cord injury. Through hands-on therapy, education, and collaboration, Clinical Specialists help participants access practical tools and strategies that support fuller, more meaningful lives. Clinical Specialists include Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Nurses, Recreational Therapists, and Rehabilitation Counselors.
Applicants must have a minimum of two years of experience in spinal cord injury specific rehabilitation and be licensed in their professional discipline within the state of the program.
Clinical Specialist Position Description - OT / PT
Clinical Specialist Position Description - Nurse
Clinical Specialist Position Description- Recreational Specialist
Clinical Specialists Position Description- Rehabilitation Counselor
Junior Clinical Specialist
The Junior Clinical Specialist role is designed for early-career Occupational, Physical and Recreational Therapists who are interested in spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation and eager to grow their clinical skills in an immersive, interdisciplinary environment.
Applicants should have completed a full-time clinical rotation or professional experience in inpatient rehabilitation, with a strong interest in SCI-specific care. Prior participation in an EmpowerSCI Summer Intensive Program as a Residential Aide is preferred.
Junior Clinical Specialists work closely with experienced mentors to develop hands-on treatment skills, clinical reasoning, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This role requires a two-year commitment and is intended to prepare clinicians for future Clinical Specialist roles.
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria, we encourage you to apply as a Residential Aide (see below).
Junior Clinical Specialist Position Description
Junior Clinical Specialists and Clinical Specialists can find applications by clicking links below.
Peer Mentor
Peer Mentors play a critical role in fostering a supportive, engaging, and inclusive environment for participants during EmpowerSCI’s summer programming. They provide lived experience, encouragement, and community while modeling independence, resilience, and positivity. Peer Mentors serve as role models, motivators, and compassionate companions, helping participants regain independence, build confidence, and feel empowered.
Residential Aide
Residential Aides provide essential support to EmpowerSCI participants, assisting with daily living activities, mobility, and full participation in program events. They help with everything from meals and personal care to safe transfers and recreational activities, ensuring a safe, empowering, and inclusive environment. Residential Aides are hands-on, high-energy team members who make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Surf Volunteer
Residential Aides provide essential support to EmpowerSCI participants, assisting with daily living activities, mobility, and full participation in program events. They help with everything from meals and personal care to safe transfers and recreational activities, ensuring a safe, empowering, and inclusive environment. Residential Aides are hands-on, high-energy team members who make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Surf Day Volunteer: Applications open May 15 for our 2026 events!