Volunteer HelpLine Assistant -

VOLUNTEER FOR HELPLINE ASSISTANT POSITION

We are currently recruiting volunteers for the NAMI-Santa Clara County HelpLine team: the warm, compassionate frontline that helps connect others to hope, resources, and support. If you’ve completed (or are in the process of completing) a NAMI education course and want to give back, we need your help!

Volunteering on the NAMI-SCC HelpLine means being a calm, compassionate voice for someone in a time of confusion or need. Our volunteers often say the experience changes them just as much as it helps those they support. Your own lived experience as a caring family member of someone with a mental health condition or as an individual in recovery can provide support and hope to those who contact the HelpLine.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

- Listen and provide support to family members and individuals with mental health concerns
- Provide information about NAMI programs and enroll as appropriate
- Suggest ways for families to advocate for their loved ones
- Provide information on commonly requested resources including treatment, legal services, financial assistance, and more

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

- Has lived experience as an individual or family member of someone with a mental health condition
- Has completed (or is in the process of completing) a NAMI education course
- Demonstrates maturity, compassion and empathy
- Is able to work collaboratively with other HelpLine team members
- Has basic computer skills (emails, documenting calls in a database, researching topics online)
- Is available for a four-hour shift M-F between 10am and 6pm

WHY VOLUNTEER

- Be part of a supportive team
- Help others find support sooner
- Expand your own knowledge of local mental health resources
- Learn how to be an effective advocate
- Change a life!

Please note that this is a volunteer role, with the possibility of it becoming a paid position following training and successful performance.