Gig: Navigator Provider Expansion Project
UNC Charlotte Gig Training Program
Gig Internship
Closes on Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Job Description
NAMI Charlotte is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions through support, education, and advocacy. As the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, we provide free peer-led support groups, educational programs, and community outreach across Mecklenburg County. A key component of our work includes connecting individuals to local mental health providers and resources through our Navigator platform, helping reduce barriers to care and increase access to services.
The Project
The Mental Health Resource Research Intern will support the expansion and enhancement of NAMI Charlotte’s Navigator provider portal, a tool designed to help individuals and families in Mecklenburg County easily find and access mental health services.
The student will research, identify, and verify local mental health providers, including therapists, psychiatrists, support services, and community-based organizations. They will assist in compiling accurate provider information and preparing entries for inclusion in the Navigator database.
The scope of the project includes:
*Researching and identifying mental health providers in Mecklenburg County
*Verifying provider details (services offered, populations served, insurance accepted, contact information)
*Assisting with data entry and organization within the Navigator platform
*Identifying gaps in available services or underserved populations
*Organizing and maintaining accurate, user-friendly resource data
Learning Experience
The student will gain hands-on experience in community resource mapping, data collection, and systems navigation within the mental health field. This role provides valuable exposure to how individuals access care and the structure of local provider networks.
Additionally, the student will:
*Develop research, data validation, and organizational skills
*Gain knowledge of mental health services and community resources
*Learn how to manage and structure information for a public-facing database
*Understand gaps in care and barriers to accessing services
*Build experience in nonprofit operations and program support
This experience is highly relevant for students pursuing careers in social work, public health, psychology, healthcare administration, or nonprofit management.
Outcomes
*Identification and verification of 25–50 new mental health providers for potential inclusion in the Navigator portal
*Organized and accurate provider data ready for integration into the system
*Identification of service gaps or underserved populations within Mecklenburg County
*Improved comprehensiveness and usability of the Navigator resource tool
*A structured, updated resource list that enhances NAMI Charlotte’s ability to connect individuals to appropriate care
UNC Charlotte Gig Training Program