Thank you for your interest in volunteering with NAMI Mass. Volunteers are essential to the work that NAMI Mass does.

 “Your time is the most valuable contribution you can make to our  organization. Thank you. ”

The Helpline is a very  important volunteer opportunity,  it is also one of the most stressful. The Helpline is where callers find an empathetic ear with a helpful yet professional demeanor. We listen and direct them to the resources they need in their community.  We also provide materials via mail if requested or direct them to the website to find out more.

Helpline volunteers are provided training and supervision. If at any time a helpline volunteer feels that are not equipped to answer a helpline call they can refer the caller to a more experienced staff person in the office.

Helpline volunteers also help with completing other office tasks as they arise such as: bulk mailings; making phone calls to gather information; phone call reminders for special events;  and putting manuals together for education and training programs.

Time Commitment:

Volunteers are required for the mornings and a typical shift is 9:00 am until 1:00 pm. Volunteers make a commitment of three months

If you are interested in volunteering on the Helpline email your resume with a cover letter to Cindy Nelson at cindynelson@namimass.org. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Cindy Nelson, Volunteer Coordinator, at 800-370-9085 or cindynelson@namimass.org.

“Your time is the most valuable contribution you can make to our  organization. Thank you. ”

HELPLINE

Responsibilities:

• Provide a critical function by responding to inquiries directed to the NAMI Mass Information and Referral helpline.
• The primary function is to answer the phone, answers email and letters, take voice mail messages, return phone calls and assemble information packets as needed.
• Provide general information about mental illness, publicize NAMI Mass’s programs and provide callers with the information necessary to access these programs and other helpful resources and services.
• Keep caller data for each call so that accurate helpline statistics may be kept.

Requirements:

• Must have knowledge and/or experience of issues relating to serious mental illness (schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, etc.) treatments and recovery.
• Must possess excellent communication skills (both oral and written) including ability to answer income phone calls in a consistently professional and respectful manner. Must write clearly and concisely with correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Must have maturity and patience to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and show empathy and understanding with those who may be distressed or emotionally troubled.
• Must have initiative, problem solving skills, and resourcefulness for assessing callers’ needs and finding the correct information to answer their questions.
• Must have basic knowledge and skills on computer software used in a business environment and the ability to enter data quickly and accurately.
• Must be consistently punctual and reliable.

Location: NAMI Mass Office, 400 West Cummings Park, Suite 6650, Woburn, MA 01801-6528

Time Commitment: Shifts are Monday – Thursday from 9:00 am – 1 pm.
One 4-hour shift per week for at least 3 months, complete some training activities during the volunteer’s shifts and demonstrate basic competence in all helpline functions.

To Apply: Email a resume with a cover letter to Cindy Nelson at cindynelson@namimass.org.