Advocacy/Ombudsman Volunteer Opportunities

The agency provides volunteer opportunities for individuals living in Los Angeles County. Services include alternative dispute resolution volunteer opportunities and advocacy/ombudsman volunteer opportunities. There are no geographic restrictions. 

Alternative dispute resolution volunteers resolve disputes between businesses, consumers and neighbors. They create a positive atmosphere, facilitate constructive discussion, and diffuse anger so that disputants can reach an agreement and resolve their dispute to their mutual satisfaction without going to court. 

Advocacy/ombudsman volunteers assist consumers, homeowners and small claims litigants in person or on the phone with problems concerning landlord tenant issues, retail sales and false advertising, identity theft, home loans and repairs and small claims court procedures. They also work with investigators to resolve consumer and homeowner complaints. They interview consumers and businesses, review consumer complaints to identify relevant facts and issues, help investigate cases for referral to other agencies and research consumer laws. 

Volunteers must have a certificate in mediation. Training will be provided; free training opportunities may be available through the Department.