Remote Helpline Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Please note: This is a listing for an internship position, and you must be currently enrolled in an MPH academic program with an academic advisor to be eligible.
Are you interested in making a meaningful difference in people's lives?
NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing mental health information, resource referrals, empathy, and hope to over 75,000 people a year across the U.S. who are affected by mental health conditions and are in need of help. The NAMI HelpLine provides a vital service to the NAMI community by responding with empathy to inquiries by phone call and text providing valuable information about mental health conditions, treatment options, NAMI education and support programs, and other mental health resources.
The HelpLine Research Intern Experience
The NAMI HelpLine Research Interns contribute by ensuring that the HelpLine resource database, warmline directory, and synonym database are accurate, so help seekers always have the correct resource that will help them in their mental health journey.
In return, HelpLine Research Interns will develop a deep understanding of the mental health landscape, mental health conditions, treatment options, and recovery strategies. HelpLine Research Interns will also know that they have the appreciation and gratitude of the individuals, families, and caregivers we serve for ensuring that they have the best possible information for their situation.
Ongoing Support
The NAMI HelpLine team strives to create a supportive virtual community for our Research Interns! HelpLine staff provide regular coaching support and skill development. NAMI HelpLine staff also hosts a weekly group virtual meeting for HelpLine Research Interns to ask questions and share experiences; HelpLine Research Interns are encouraged to email questions in between weekly meetings or to schedule a 30-minute one-on-one with their supervisor.
Serving Remotely
All HelpLine Specialists work remotely from their homes. HelpLine Research Interns are required to have access to a private workspace, a computer with the most recent operating system (MacOS, Windows, or Linux) and robust, reliable high-speed internet service.
Training
NAMI HelpLine Research Interns are required to take 21 hours of robust, asynchronous training to thoroughly prepare themselves to confidently and positively understand the diverse needs presented by help seekers and the experience of being a HelpLine Specialist. The training experience provides Research Interns with rewarding online instructional content, interactive exercises, knowledge checks, and a final test prior to joining as a member of the NAMI HelpLine Research Intern Team.
NAMI HelpLine Research Interns are also required to be trained via screenshot step-by-steps and live demonstration on how to audit the HelpLine resource database, Warmline Directory, and Synonym Database.
Minimum Time Commitment Requirements
Please note the following time commitment requirements:

• Minimum of 8 hours per week starting on January 11, 2027, through July 1, 2027 totaling 300 hours total.
• HelpLine Research Interns will work with their supervisor to determine what days and times within the Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern will work best for their schedule.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Utilize Word Press and internet research to assist in completing a highly accurate HelpLine resource database audit by the end of Q2 2027, including accurate resource contact information, description, taxonomy assignment and tagging, and identification and resolution of service gaps where possible
• Utilize phone, SMS text, and internet research to assist in completing a highly accurate Warmline Directory audit by the end of Q2 2027, including accurate resource contact information, description, taxonomy assignment and tagging, and identification and resolution of service gaps where possible
• Utilize Microsoft Excel to assist in executing a highly accurate taxonomy assignment, tagging, and synonym development activities related to NAMI HelpLine Resource Finder searchable database
• Adhere to all NAMI HelpLine service program policies and procedures
• Accurately and efficiently document hours worked and what activities have been completed during work hours
• Attend one virtual HelpLine Research Internship group meeting per week

Essential Skills/Competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Courteous, empathic, and professional manner
• Comfortable asking clarifying questions when something is not understood
• Basic knowledge of mental health conditions, treatments, recovery, and mental health care systems with an interest in learning more
• Excellent analytical ability and problem-solving skills
• Excellent research skills and resourcefulness
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, even when managing competing priorities or urgent tasks

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 20 years of age
• Must be currently enrolled in an MPH academic program
• Lived personal experience, either as a person living well in recovery for at least one year or caregiving for a loved one with a mental health condition, or current enrollment in a related undergraduate or graduate program of studies
• Ability to effectively use Word Press, Microsoft Excel, and other computer programs as necessary
• Applicants should be comfortable working independently and as part of a team in a collegial work environment
• Must be located in the United States
• Must pass a background check

Work Environment:

• This role is fully remote and you will work on your own or in collaboration with your fellow HelpLine Research Interns most of the time, but your supervisor is always available to help aside from the weekly virtual group meetings.