NAMI HelpLine Information & Referral Specialists (Remote) - INTERNSHIPS

National Alliance on Mental Illness • , VA

113d • Remote

About The Position

This is a listing for an unpaid internship position where interns use their lived experience navigating mental health challenges to support and empower others reaching out for help. Interns answer calls and texts, providing hope, emotional support, thoughtful suggestions, and mental health resources. Some interns may qualify for specialty services like the NAMI Teen & Young Adult (TYA) HelpLine, NAMI Family Caregiver HelpLine, or the linea de ayuda de NAMI (Spanish-speaking). The internship requires a commitment of 8 hours per week for 4 months, with specific shift availability required. Interns will receive in-depth training and ongoing support from HelpLine Staff, including a HelpLine Coach. The role requires working remotely from home using a personal computer and a private workspace, with specific technology requirements.

Requirements

• Must be at least 20 years of age.
• Must be currently enrolled in an academic program.
• Lived personal experience (at least one year in recovery or caregiving for a loved one with a mental health condition) OR current enrollment in a related undergraduate or graduate program of studies.
• Ability to respond sensitively, effectively, and in a culturally considerate manner to Help Seekers experiencing emotional distress, active psychosis, and other symptoms of a mental health condition.
• Ability to effectively use cloud-based technologies including telecommunications, applications, storage, networks, and other tools or resources.
• Comfort working independently and as part of a team in a friendly work environment.
• Must be located in the United States for the duration of the commitment.
• Must pass a background check.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong active listening skills.
• Strengths in compassion, empathy, and professionalism.
• Basic knowledge of mental health conditions, treatments, recovery, and mental health care systems with an interest in learning more.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, even when managing competing priorities or urgent tasks.
• Ability to maintain focus at all times and make sound decisions in stressful, unclear, or high-pressure situations.
• Ability to self-regulate and maintain composure during challenges or conflicts; demonstrated resilience when working under crisis situations.
• A private workspace.
• A computer with the most recent operating system (MacOS, Windows, or Linux).
• A working headset or headphones.
• Robust, reliable high-speed internet service.

Nice To Haves

• Interns who are young adults (20-30 years old) are welcome to participate in the NAMI Teen & Young Adult (TYA) HelpLine.
• Interns with lived experience caring for a loved one with serious mental illness are welcome to participate in the NAMI Family Caregiver HelpLine.
• Interns who can speak and write fluent Spanish are welcome to participate in the linea de ayuda de NAMI.

Responsibilities

• Provide support by answering calls and texts from people navigating mental health challenges.
• Offer hope, emotional support, thoughtful suggestions, and mental health resources.
• Participate in specialty services if qualified and interested (NAMI Teen & Young Adult, NAMI Family Caregiver, or Spanish-speaking HelpLine).
• Respond to HelpLine calls and texts providing person-centered, culturally considerate emotional support, information, and resource referrals.
• Accurately and efficiently record basic information about HelpLine interactions in call center software.
• Treat all Help Seekers with dignity and respect and follow NAMI HelpLine service program policies and procedures.

Benefits

• In-depth training and support from HelpLine Staff.
• Ongoing coaching to develop skills like reflective listening, empathy, creative problem solving, critical thinking, flexibility, and patience.
• Deep understanding of the mental health landscape, including common mental health conditions, treatment and recovery strategies, how to overcome barriers to accessing mental health care, and available quality mental health resources.
• Satisfaction of helping people with mental health conditions and their family members.
• Monthly wellness and continuing education events.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed