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12 people are interested
Caring Companion Calls Volunteer
ORGANIZATION: National Alliance on Mental Illness- Greater Cleveland
Please visit the new page to apply.
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12 people are interested
***PLEASE NOTE: WHILE THIS IS A VIRTUAL OPPORTUNITY DUE TO COVID, APPLICANTS MUST LIVE IN THE CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OHIO AREA!!!**
in conjunction with our HelpLine and our Supportive Service Model, NAMI Greater Cleveland is looking for compassionate, supportive volunteers to provide supportive mentoring & companionship to adult peers (those living with a mental health conditions), and friends, family members, and caregivers. One of the keys to improving the lives of a person living with a mental health condition is support, whether through family, friends, or supportive mentors. NAMI Greater Cleveland’s Caring Companion Calls program offers a connection to free, one-on-one emotional support from one family member/peer to another, by telephone.
Volunteers extend empathy, understanding, respect and emotional support to participants. In return, you will gain extensive first-hand experience that allows you to develop an in-depth understanding of the people living with and issues surrounding mental illness.
Minimum Requirements for Volunteer Caring Companion:
-Volunteers are required to commit to a minimum of one, 4-hour shift per week during regular Helpline hours (10:00 am - 4:00 pm; Mon-Fri), for the duration of one year or more following completion of training.
-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 a mental health condition or a someone caring for a loved one living with a mental health condition
-Excellent communication skills (oral and written), particularly in listening and ability to convey a respectful, empathetic tone
-Preferred experience in a call-center or service-oriented position
-Analytical ability with problem-solving skills and resourcefulness for assessing callers' needs and finding correct resources in a timely manner
-Basic knowledge of mental illnesses, treatments, recovery, and mental health care systems with an interest in learning more
-Minimum basic skills with MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams) and social media; Intermediate keyboarding skills with minimum typing speed of 45 wpm
-Ability to conduct basic internet research quickly while simultaneously managing phone conversation
-Bilingual English/Spanish ability strongly welcomed
-Willingness and capability to undergo an ongoing Helpline training process
-Is (or willing to become) a member of NAMI
Personal Qualities:
-Demonstrated reliability, professionalism and punctuality
-Respect and compassion for people affected by mental health conditions with desire to help others facing mental health challenges
-Ability to manage emotionally stressful situations with positive spirit and open-mindedness
-Passion to learn about mental health conditions, resources, and behavioral health system
-Willingness to take initiative to seek help when needed, and ability to accept and implement constructive feedback
-Maturity and patience to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences while demonstrating empathy to facilitate respectful dialogue with callers who may be in emotional distress or active psychosis
More opportunities with National Alliance on Mental Illness- Greater Cleveland
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About National Alliance on Mental Illness- Greater Cleveland
Location:
2012 West 25th Street, Suite 705, Cleveland, OH 44113, US
Mission Statement
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Greater Cleveland is dedicated to empowering those living with mental illness and their family members to achieve a better quality of life by providing education, support, information, and referrals.
Description
NAMI Greater Cleveland provides services to those with serious mental illnesses and their family members through a variety of support and education programs. In addition, we advocate on behalf of our members and the community on issues related to mental illness. Program highlights include:
- Support Groups: 16 groups providing mutual support averaging 2,500 visits per year;
- Helpline: providing information and referral to over 1,485 callers per year;
- Educational Courses: free classes, including NAMI’s signature Family to Family course, reaching over 75 participants per year;
- Outreach: providing information about mental illness via our Community Education Nights, Speakers Bureau and Health Fairs to more than 1,100 people per year;
- Multi-Cultural Outreach: providing specialized services to the African-American and Hispanic communities, including Spanish-language courses and materials.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
This is a Virtual Opportunity with no fixed address.
DATE POSTED
November 22, 2021
SKILLS
- Counseling / Mental Health
- Psychology
- Multi-Tasking
- People Skills
- Verbal / Written Communication
- Social Work
GOOD FOR
N/A
REQUIREMENTS
- Background Check
- Must be at least 18
- At least 1 4-hour shift a week.
- This opportunity is occurring virtually with multiple meetings happening through Zoom and Teams. The applicant would need to have experience using these applications and working with a virtual team.