Job Description

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE'S LIVES?

THE NAMI HELPLINE IS CONTACTED OVER 50,000 TIMES ANNUALLY BY PEOPLE AFFECTED BY MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS. THEY ARE REACHING OUT FOR ASSISTANCE AND WE RELY ON OUR COMMITTED TEAM OF VOLUNTEERS AND INTERNS TO PROVIDE THE VITAL SUPPORT NEEDED. WITH EXTENSIVE TRAINING AND ON-GOING SUPPORT FROM NAMI HELPLINE STAFF, OUR HELPLINE INFORMATION SPECIALISTS PROVIDE CALLERS WITH INFORMATION, REFERRALS AND SUPPORT TO PEOPLE LIVING WITH A MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION, FAMILY MEMBERS AND CAREGIVERS, MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS AND THE PUBLIC. WE ARE ESPECIALLY INTERESTED IN HEARING FROM POTENTIAL VOLUNTEERS THAT SPEAK SPANISH TO BETTER SERVE THIS COMMUNITY.

IF YOU SEEK FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE IN A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT THAT APPRECIATES YOUR SERVICE, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY TO JOIN OUR TEAM OF VOLUNTEERS!

POSITION DESCRIPTION Volunteer/Intern Information Specialists respond to calls, emails and written correspondence from individuals looking to the HelpLine for information on mental illness, treatment options, recovery strategies, NAMI program and support group information as well as the opportunity to speak with someone who understands and cares. HelpLine volunteers work from the NAMI office in Arlington, VA.

WE ARE SEEKING INTERNS FOR SUMMER 2019! Summer interns must be willing to commit to a minimum of two, 4-hour shifts per week during the summer, with a minimum duration of 3 months between the months of May through September 2019. Volunteers receive extensive training and a travel allowance.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• A student or professional of mental health, and/or someone with "lived," personal experience with a mental health condition and recovery either as a person living with mental illness or as someone caring for a loved one experiencing a mental health condition.
• Demonstrated respect and compassion for people affected by mental health conditions with desire to help others facing mental health challenges.
• Demonstrated initiative, problem solving skills and resourcefulness for assessing needs and finding correct information and possible solutions in timely manner.
• Familiarity with NAMI's programs, basic knowledge of mental illnesses, treatments, recovery, and mental health care systems, with an interest in learning more.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) with a respectful, empathetic style.
• Ability to commit to at least two, 4-hour shifts per week during regular HelpLine hours (10:00 am - 2:00 pm or 2 6:00 pm; Mon-Fri), with a minimum 3-month commitment to serve.
• Demonstrated reliability, professionalism and punctuality.
• Previous experience in a customer-service environment helpful.
• Familiarity with MS Office and willingness to learn use of social media platforms used by the HelpLine.
• SPANISH-SPEAKING ABILITY STRONGLY WELCOMED.

JOB POSTED BY APPLICANTPRO