Youth Engagement Intern

Type: Internship (unpaid) 

Reports to: Engagement Manager 

Office Location: 224 W Hill St Suite 410, Chicago, IL 

Title: Youth Outreach Intern 

Shift: 10 hours per week   
 

Who We Are Looking For:
We are seeking a creative and detail-oriented Youth Engagement Intern to support NAMI Chicago’s community engagement efforts. This role is ideal for a bilingual (English/Spanish) graduate student passionate about mental health and youth programming. Under the guidance of our Senior Education and Engagement Specialist, you will learn about NAMI Chicago’s youth initiatives and be engaged in the co-facilitation of various programming, support the development of our youth asset materials and aid in other efforts to advance our impact on the health and wellness of youth and their families in Chicago and the Cook County suburbs.  

Essential Functions & Responsibilities: 

• Conduct research on the latest youth mental health concerns to inform the development of relevant culturally responsible and community-centered content.  
• Work closely with Senior education and engagement specialist to conduct listening sessions with CBOs who have youth advisory boards and collecting data to inform NAMI’s YAB 
• Revise and improve youth-oriented educational and training material 
• Support NAMI Chicago’s youth programs by attending program sessions and co-facilitating learning 
• Cultivate and strengthen partnerships with youth-serving organizations and providers on the South and West Side of the city. 
• Assist with program evaluation efforts, including the development and administering of pre- and post-event surveys 
• As needed, document the landscape of youth mental health needs, existing resources, and service gaps 
• Complete administrative tasks related to youth programming, as assigned 
• Assist with NAMI Chicago’s community engagement events and outreach efforts  
• Attend weekly engagement team meeting

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish 
• Experience in community organizing, event planning and execution, and school partnerships 
• A strong knowledge of current trends among youth 
• Familiarity with Chicago neighborhoods and communities, especially on the south and west sides 
• A background in non-profit or mental health/wellness organizations is a plus  
• Commitment to diversity and equity  

Qualifications and Requirements: 

• Currently pursuing a graduate degree in psychology, social work, public health, education, or a related field; we may also consider exceptional fourth-year undergraduate students  
• Fluent in English and Spanish (both verbal and written) 
• Attention to detail  
• Strong organizational, reliability and time management skills 
• Highly passionate about transforming the landscape of mental health and wellbeing in youth populations 
• Highly collaborative and eager to learn  
• Strong verbal and written communication skills 
• Some evening or weekend availability may be required for events, with advanced notice