Job Details

divh2NAMI HelpLine Information Referral Specialists (Remote) - Internships/h2pPlease note: This is a listing for an unpaid internship position, and you must be currently enrolled in an academic program with an academic advisor to be eligible. If you are not a student, please apply using our volunteer application./ppAre you interested in making a meaningful difference in peoples lives?/ppThe NAMI HelpLine is contacted over 75,000 times a year by people across the U.S. who are affected by mental health conditions and are in need of help. HelpLine Information and Resource Referral Specialists provide a vital service to the NAMI community by responding with empathy to inquiries by phone call, web chat, and text, and by providing valuable information about mental health conditions and treatment options, NAMI education and support programs, and other mental health resources./ppThe HelpLine Specialist Experience/ppNAMI HelpLine Specialists help individuals and families improve their lives and advance recovery by listening to their concerns and connecting them with essential resources and services. They extend empathy, understanding, respect, and emotional support to everyone contacting the NAMI HelpLine. In return, as Specialists they will develop a deep understanding of the mental health landscape, mental health conditions, treatment options, and recovery strategies. They will also experience the appreciation and gratitude expressed by the individuals, families, and caregivers they serve./ppServing Remotely/ppAll HelpLine Specialists work remotely from their homes, apartments, or dorms and connect with help seekers via phone call, web chat, and text, using NAMIs cloud-based communications platform. Specialists are required to have access to a computer with the most recent operating system (MacOS, Windows, or Linux) as well as high-speed internet./ppOnboarding/ppWorking with help seekers on the NAMI HelpLine is extremely rewarding, and yet at times, challenging. This requires a commitment to complete about 20 hours of training within a three-week onboarding period, plus participating in a one-hour technology and roleplay training, designed to prepare you to confidently and positively address the diverse needs presented by help seekers. Throughout your onboarding experience, you will complete rewarding online instructional content, interactive exercises, knowledge checks, and a final test prior to joining as a member of the NAMI HelpLine Specialist Team./ppWe also have a Teen Young Adult HelpLine service, which offers this population an opportunity to connect with other young people to receive support on issues that affect them and others in their age group. All HelpLine Specialists receive specialized training, and those who are between 20-30 years old are encouraged to participate./ppIn addition to the Teen Young Adult HelpLine service, we have a Family Caregiver HelpLine service, which offers those who care for loved ones living with serious mental illness an opportunity to connect with other caregivers to receive support on issues that affect them. All HelpLine Specialists receive specialized training, and those who serve as caregivers for loved ones living with serious mental illness are encouraged to participate./ppMinimum Time Commitment Requirements/ppPlease note the following time commitment requirements:/pulliA minimum of two, 4-hour shifts per week for a minimum duration of four (4) months./liliAll HelpLine Specialist shifts are during regular HelpLine hours: 10am - 10pm, Eastern Standard Time./li/ulpShift #1: 10am - 2pm/ppShift #2: 2 - 6pm/ppShift #3: 6 - 10pm/ppOngoing Support/ppThe NAMI HelpLine team strives to create a supportive virtual community for our Specialists! Ongoing support is provided throughout each shift via cloud-based technology and a direct messaging social media platform, Slack. Additionally, our staff participate in two available shift change Zoom meetings, Monday through Friday, to share experiences and information and to answer questions. Specialists are required to attend at least one shift change Zoom meeting per week with their camera on. Furthermore, our staff routinely observe and provide coaching support throughout each HelpLine Specialists time on the HelpLine./ppProfessional Qualifications:/pulliExcellent communication skills (oral and written), particularly in active listening and an ability to convey a respectful, empathetic tone, over phone, web chat, and text communication./liliAnalytical ability with problem-solving skills and resourcefulness for assessing a help seekers needs and finding correct resources in a timely manner./liliBasic knowledge of mental health conditions, treatments, recovery, and mental health care systems with an interest in learning more./liliAbility to conduct basic internet research quickly while simultaneously managing a phone conversation or SMS/Chat session./liliVerbal bilingual English/Spanish ability strongly welcomed./li/ulpPersonal Qualities:/pulliA student or professional of mental health, and/or someone with lived, personal experience - either as a person living well in recovery for at least one year, or as someone caring for a loved one living with a mental health condition./liliDemonstrated reliability, professionalism, and punctuality./liliRespect and compassion for people affected by mental health conditions with desire to help./liliAbility to manage emotionally stressful situations with positive spirit and open-mindedness./liliPassion to learn about mental health conditions, resources, and behavioral health system./liliWillingness to take initiative to seek help when needed, and ability to accept and implement constructive feedback./liliMaturity and patience to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, while demonstrating empathy, to facilitate respectful dialogue with help seekers experiencing emotional distress or active psychosis./li/ulpThe NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing mental health information, resource referrals, empathy, and hope. HelpLine Specialists respond to each help-seekers needs, from answering basic questions to helping navigate serious, complex issues./ppTo prepare you to become a HelpLine Specialist, we offer free online training, onboarding, and coaching. This time and effort NAMI puts into preparing HelpLine Specialists is an investment in you and those who trust NAMI during difficult times with deeply personal issues./ppIt costs the NAMI HelpLine nearly $500.00 to recruit, train, and coach each HelpLine Specialist. Its a serious investment, and were looking for passionate people with a desire to help others and the ability to commit to:/polliStarting the training within 2 weeks;/liliCompleting the training within 3 weeks;/liliServing during the days/shifts indicated on your application; and/liliFulfilling a four-month service commitment./li/ol/div