NAMI HelpLine Specialists

The NAMI HelpLine (845-359-8787) is contacted over 75,000 times a year by people across the United States who are affected by mental health conditions and are in need of help. In Rockland County, volunteer HelpLine Information and Resource Referral Specialists with lived experiences provide a vital service to the 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.

Volunteer responsibilities:

• Help individuals and families improve their lives and advance recovery by listening to their concerns and connecting them with essential resources and services
• Offer empathy, understanding, respect, and emotional support to everyone contacting the NAMI HelpLine

Volunteer support:

• The NAMI HelpLine recognizes the value of lived experience as it expands one's capacity for empathy, motivates a sincere desire to help others, and at times provides valuable perspective. However, HelpLine service often involves triggering conversations and topics. A Specialist's mental health must be solid with well-established treatment and/or self-help strategies and necessary support. If at any time in the interview, onboarding or during service a Specialist or staff member becomes aware that providing HelpLine services could or is having a negative impact on a Specialist, or that help seekers are not being well-served, the Specialist will be asked to step away from service

Benefits:

• Volunteers develop a deep understanding of the mental health landscape, mental health conditions, treatment options, and recovery strategies
• Volunteers experience the appreciation and gratitude expressed by the individuals, families, and caregivers they serve

Onboarding and commitment:

• HelpLine Specialists are required to complete about 23 hours of training within a three-week onboarding period, including online instructional content, interactive exercises, and knowledge checks
• HelpLine Specialists must also complete a final test prior to joining the team

Express interest below!