About Us
Contact Community Services is a Syracuse-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health of individuals across the lifespan. We respond to the evolving needs of our community with compassion, professionalism, and care.
Internship Overview
Contact Community Services offers a range of community-based support programs, including TeleCare (telephone reassurance), the Contact Warmline (supportive listening), and community outreach and training initiatives.
Interns in this role gain hands-on experience providing compassionate, phone-based support while learning how community-based mental health services operate. Primary responsibilities include making outbound TeleCare calls and, as appropriate, supporting Warmline services and outreach efforts.
TeleCare
TeleCare is a free telephone reassurance program that provides consistent connection and support to individuals experiencing isolation, loneliness, or other life challenges.
Contact Warmline
The Contact Warmline offers supportive listening and connection for individuals seeking non-crisis emotional support.
This internship is ideal for associate- or bachelor’s-level students interested in mental health, human services, psychology, social work, or community-based care.
Please note: we are not able to host master’s-level internship placements at this time. If you are a student but will not be doing this for course credit, then please complete our volunteer application.
Why Intern at Contact?
-Earn college credit
-Receive high-quality training, mentorship, and supervision
-Obtain professional references and/or letters of recommendation
-Build confidence in communication, boundaries, and helping skills
-Explore careers in mental health and human services
-Network with professionals and learn about local career opportunities
-Make a meaningful difference in people’s lives
Schedule & Structure
Interns develop a consistent schedule based on availability and program needs.
Some hybrid opportunities may be available depending on shift time, demonstrated readiness, and role responsibilities. Agency equipment is provided as needed.
Essential Intern Functions
Interns are expected to:
-Demonstrate active listening and engagement skills
-Provide compassionate, respectful support to clients and callers
-Maintain confidentiality of all client and agency information
-Follow established escalation and safety procedures when concerns arise
-Participate in required trainings, supervision, and skill development opportunities
-Collaborate professionally with staff, volunteers, and fellow interns
Duties & Responsibilities
TeleCare Support
-Place outgoing TeleCare calls (typically up to 10 minutes)
-Provide social connection and supportive conversation
-Complete wellness and safety check-ins
-Provide medication reminders when appropriate
-Document interactions using web-based call management software
Warmline & Outreach Support
-Support Warmline services based on training and readiness
-Participate in outreach and community engagement activities
-Observe or assist with trainings and presentations
-Support outreach events and materials preparation
-Team Participation
-Attend supervision sessions, team meetings, and trainings
-Participate in ongoing learning and skill development
Other Expectations
Interns are expected to:
-Provide class schedule, syllabus, and internship advisor contact information
-Maintain consistent attendance and punctuality
-Communicate promptly and professionally via phone and email
-Demonstrate professionalism in all interactions
-Come prepared to meetings and trainings
-Track internship hours and required documentation
Failure to meet expectations related to attendance, professionalism, or role responsibilities may result in corrective action, including possible suspension or termination of the internship placement.
Training & Support
Interns receive structured onboarding, training, and ongoing supervision. Training topics include:
-Active listening and engagement skills
-Warmline and TeleCare call handling
-Escalation and safety procedures
-Phone and documentation systems
-Shadowing and guided call practice
Initial training is approximately 12 hours, followed by supported practice and ongoing coaching from program staff.