TAC Helpline Volunteer

TAC is a national nonprofit organization based in Alexandria, Virginia. Our mission is to eliminate barriers to the timely and effective treatment of severe mental illnesses (SMI), such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. TAC’s Helpline team of staff and volunteers supports individuals and families with empathetic listening, emotional support, and resources and information to support their next steps as they navigate the complex systems that intersect with severe mental illness.

Technology

Helpline volunteers can be based anywhere in the US. TAC provides an email address and phone so volunteers won’t need to use a personal contact. Volunteers must have access to a computer and high-speed internet.

Training and support

All volunteers receive TAC training and support through every step of the process: onboarding, case specifics, tips and resources for response and specifics for follow up and case closure.

Qualifications

• Individual with lived experience: in recovery with a mental health condition or someone with experience caring for a person with a mental health condition or
• Student or professional with work experience in mental health fields.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written), particularly in listening, and ability to convey a respectful, empathetic tone, over the phone or email.
• Analytical ability with problem-solving skills to assess a help seeker's needs and find useful resources in a timely manner.
• Ability to manage emotionally stressful situations with positive spirit and open-mindedness.
• Basic knowledge of mental health conditions, treatments, recovery, and mental health care systems with an interest in learning more.
• Maturity and patience to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences while demonstrating empathy to facilitate respectful dialogue with callers experiencing emotional distress or active psychosis.
• Ability to conduct basic internet research while simultaneously managing a phone conversation is a bonus, but not required.
• English/Spanish or other bilingual abilities are strongly welcomed.

Time Commitment:

About 2-3 hours per week to support assigned cases or more as time allows.

If interested in volunteering, please fill out the following survey and answer Helpline in question #1. We will follow up with you. Thank you for your interest!