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 also 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 is a free telephone reassurance program that provides consistent connection to individuals experiencing isolation, loneliness, or other life challenges.
Contact Warmline offers supportive listening and connection for individuals seeking non-crisis emotional support.
This role is ideal for associate or bachelor’s level students interested in mental health, human services, psychology, social work, or community-based care. We do not host master’s level students at this time.
Why Intern at Contact?
-Earn college credit
-Receive free, high-quality training and mentorship
-Obtain letters of recommendation and/or professional references
-Explore your capacity to work in the helping professions
-Build confidence and learn the importance of boundaries and self-care
-Network with professionals and learn about local job opportunities
-Make a real difference in people’s lives
Schedule & Structure
Interns build a consistent schedule based on availability.
Shifts are available:
Monday–Sunday: 7a-11a, 11a-3p, 3p-7p, 7p-11p
The following shifts are remote only, and interns are expected to complete a minimum of 8 hours each weekend:
-7a-11a Sat, Sun
-11a-3p Sat, Sun
-3p-7p Fri, Sat, Sun
-7p-11p Fri, Sat, Sun
Equipment is provided by the agency.
Essential Intern Functions
-Demonstrate strong active listening and engagement skills
-Provide compassionate, respectful support to clients and callers
-Maintain strict confidentiality of all client and agency information
-Follow established escalation and safety protocols when concerns arise
-Participate in required trainings, supervision, and skill development opportunities
-Collaborate professionally with staff, volunteers, and fellow interns
Duties & Responsibilities
-Place outgoing TeleCare calls (up to 10 minutes), including:
-Social connection and conversation
-Wellness and safety check-ins
-Medication reminders (as applicable)
-Document interactions in web-based call management software
-Support Warmline services as appropriate (based on training and readiness)
-Participate in outreach and community training opportunities, which may include:
-Observing or assisting with trainings (e.g., active listening, mental health education)
-Supporting outreach events or materials preparation
-Attend scheduled supervision, team meetings, and training sessions
Other Expectations
-Provide class schedule, syllabus, and internship advisor contact information
-Maintain consistent attendance and punctuality for all shifts and trainings
-Communicate promptly and professionally via phone and email
-Demonstrate professional conduct in all interactions
-Come prepared to meetings (calendar/planner, materials, note-taking)
-Track internship hours, trainings, and required documentation
Failure to meet expectations related to attendance or professionalism may result in corrective action, including possible suspension or termination of placement.
Training & Support
-Interns receive structured onboarding and ongoing supervision. Training includes:
-Active listening and engagement skills
-Warmline and TeleCare call handling
-Escalation and safety protocols
-Use of 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.