Crisis Line

Internships

Internships

NAMI DuPage offers limited internships during the fall, spring and summer terms for individuals wishing to gain hands-on experience in non-profit work in the mental health field. Our goal is to give our interns a well-rounded experience by exposing them to more than one service area in our organization, and tailoring their experience by placing them in areas they prefer. Join us in creating positive changes in the mental health system, and increasing the public and professional understanding of mental health conditions as a NAMI DuPage intern! 

If you have any questions, please email Yolanda Bounds at y.bounds@namidupage.org.

Recovery Support Specialist Internships

If you are enrolled at a local college for the CRSS program and need internship hours, please fill out the Intern Application below.

For more information on the CRSS program, please click HERE.

Overview & Expectations
  • Internship opportutities are limited and generally unpaid.*
  • Internships are part-time, typically up to 12-15 hours per week, depending on agency needs and the number of interns each week.
  • NAMI DuPage is a peer-led, non-clinical organization.
  • To protect client confidentiality, interns are not pemitted to observe support groups.
  • Internship opportunties and responsibilities may be adjusted based on the needs of the agency.

*The Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) internship is an exception and is funded through the school's federal grant program.

Opportunities
  • Reception
○ Answering phone and webchats, greeting guests and program participants, directing people to the appropriate location or person, other administrative duties as needed
  • Social & Recreation
○ Includes leading classes and planning activities
  • Social Enterprises
○ Working alongside NAMI DuPage volunteers at our Rise & Shine Café and/or Print Shop and supporting them while they learn new skills
  • Youth Department
○ Collecting and inputting data for grant purposes, observing an Ending the Silence program, leading the Ending the Silence sessions in schools (if appropriate), and various other as-needed tasks. Our youth presentations are at area high schools and junior high schools.
  • Resource & Support and Community Education
○ Outreach, collecting and inputting data for grant purposes, and entering new participants into our database.
  • Administration
Social media, database, resources, outreach, and other various tasks and projects.

Apply to be an Intern!

Step 1: Fill out the Application

INTERN APPLICATION

Please fill out this application if you are in need of an internship. Completing this application does not obligate you to volunteer with NAMI DuPage, nor does it guarantee a placement at NAMI DuPage. Information contained on the application is treated confidentially.

If you are pursuing the CRSS Internship track, you must complete the application below. 

 















    Please note that the following times are approximate:












    Step 2: Register for an Orientation

    Orientations are held weekly on Thursdays at 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM for one hour via Zoom. New interns are required to attend one session of your choice. You will learn about the mission and values of NAMI DuPage, its history, our Programs and Services, and the many ways to volunteer within our organization. Registration is accepted until 5:00 PM the previous day.

    Orientation Registration (11:00 AM sessions)
    Orientation Registration (7:00 PM sessions)
    I Have Further Questions!
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