NAMI HelpLine Information & Referral Specialists (Remote) - INTERNSHIPS

Use your lived experience navigating mental health challenges-personally or with a loved one-to support and empower others reaching out for help.

• →Utilize phone and SMS text communications channels to interact with Help Seekers
• →Respond to HelpLine calls and SMS texts by providing person-centered, culturally considerate support and information
• →Utilize resource referral tools to provide information and relevant referrals to Help Seekers
• →Adhere to all NAMI HelpLine service program policies and procedures
• →Accurately and efficiently document Help Seeker interactions
• →Attend one virtual HelpLine Specialist shift-change meeting per week

Some interns may qualify for and wish to participate in one of HelpLine's specialty services:

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

If you are interested in participating in one or more of these specialty services as part of your HelpLine intern experience, please let us know when you fill out your application.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong active listening skills
• Courteous, empathic and professional manner
• Basic knowledge of mental health conditions, treatments, recovery, and mental health care systems with an interest in learning more
• Excellent problem-solving skills and an ability to facilitate resolution of help seeker inquiries
• 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, ambiguous, or high-pressure situations
• Ability to self-regulate and maintain composure during challenges or conflicts; demonstrated resilience when working under crisis situations

• Must be at least 20 years of age
• Must be currently enrolled in an academic program
• Lived personal experience, either as a person living well in recovery for at least one year 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 your commitment
• Must pass a background check