Community Support & Mental Health Navigation Volunteer/Intern

Stage 1 (Non-Clinical)

Chinese Psychological Assistance Foundation (CNPAF)

Position Overview

The Chinese Psychological Assistance Foundation (CNPAF) is building a front-door, non-clinical support system for people who feel stressed, lonely, confused, or unsure how to seek help.

As a Stage 1 Community Support & Mental Health Navigation Volunteer/Intern (Non-Clinical), you will:

• Offer warm, non-judgmental first contact to people who reach out.
• Help them understand their options and feel less alone.
• Guide them toward appropriate resources (campus services, low-cost counseling, hotlines, CNPAF programs, etc.).

You are not a therapist or crisis counselor; you are a bridge between “I don’t know what to do” and “I have a plan and support.”

This role is ideal for students or emerging professionals interested in psychology, social work, public health, education, or community work who want real-world experience in a clearly non-clinical setting.

What You Will Do (Big Picture)

Your work will center around four main areas:

Frontline Community Support (Non-Clinical)

• Meet people where they are (online or in person) and listen with empathy and respect.
• Help them name what they’re dealing with (e.g., stress, family conflict, academic pressure, adjustment, loneliness) without diagnosing.
• Normalize help-seeking and share basic, general information about mental health and support options.

Resource Navigation & Next Steps

• Help people figure out what kind of support might fit (counseling, student services, peer groups, community programs, hotlines).
• Direct them to concrete options that match their language, location, and budget (for example: one campus counseling center, one low-cost clinic, one hotline, one CNPAF group/program).
• Co-create simple “next step plans” (Action Cards) so they leave with a clear, realistic plan for the next 1–2 weeks.

Safety, Boundaries & Escalation

• Notice when someone may need more urgent or higher-level support.
• Follow CNPAF’s escalation procedures when there are signs of self-harm, harm to others, abuse, or other safety concerns (for example: pausing the conversation, contacting a supervisor, offering crisis hotline/emergency information).
• Maintain healthy boundaries — you are a trained volunteer/intern, not family, not a therapist, and not available 24/7.

Documentation, Learning & Teamwork

• Keep clear, factual notes using CNPAF’s Stage 1 documentation templates.
• Participate in training, supervision, and reflection sessions to grow your skills and stay within the non-clinical scope.
• Collaborate with other CNPAF volunteers, Youth Cabinet members, and program coordinators so the person you support can be smoothly connected to Stage 2 or other programs if appropriate.

Non-Clinical Scope & Disclaimers

Stage 1 is strictly non-clinical. By joining this role, you understand and agree that:

• You do not provide psychotherapy, clinical diagnosis, treatment plans, or medication advice.
• You do not act as an emergency or crisis responder. In emergencies or imminent risk, you will redirect to crisis hotlines, emergency services, or local authorities according to CNPAF protocols.
• You do not guarantee absolute confidentiality. You will explain that information might be shared with supervisors or emergency services if there is a risk of serious harm or when required by law.
• Your support is meant to be informational, emotional, and navigational, and does not replace professional medical, psychological, or legal services.
• You always work under supervision, participate in required training, and follow CNPAF’s policies, including those related to working with minors and vulnerable populations.

These disclaimers will also appear in our public materials and internal agreements, so the people you support understand the nature and limits of Stage 1 services.

Qualifications

We care most about your values and attitude:

• Commitment to respect, empathy, and non-judgment.
• Interest in mental health, community care, social justice, or support for marginalized communities (especially Asian and immigrant communities).
• Willingness to follow structure, protocols, and supervision.
• Reliability in showing up for scheduled shifts and meetings.

Helpful but not required:

• Background or coursework in psychology, social work, education, public health, law, or related fields.
• Experience in peer support, mentoring, resident assistant work, youth leadership, or community service.
• Ability to communicate in both English and another language (e.g., Mandarin, Cantonese, etc.).

Growth & Stage 2 Pathway

Stage 1 is the entry layer of CNPAF’s support system. Volunteers/interns who:

• Maintain good standing,
• Meet participation and training requirements, and
• Demonstrate strong judgment, boundaries, and communication

may be considered for Stage 2 (advanced, non-clinical) responsibilities after additional training and evaluation.

Time Commitment & Arrangement

• Flexible schedule determined with your supervisor; minimum basic weekly commitment.
• Remote and/or hybrid opportunities depending on location and program needs.
• This position is non-clinical and may be structured as an unpaid volunteer or internship role (non-exempt, hourly-based if paid, subject to local labor rules and CNPAF policy).