Mental Health Crisis Training Instructor - AmeriCorps Member

Healthy Minds Alliance Mission: Healthy Minds Alliance is a community-based approach to the mental health crisis, utilizing evidenced-based gatekeeper programs to train community members on how to prevent, detect and support people with a mental illness.

Purpose of Position: AmeriCorps Members will serve as instructors for host site-identified evidence-based/ informed programs, certifying members of the public.

Identified Programs: AmeriCorps Members are trained as instructors in select programs as designated by the specific host site. Programs may include Mental Health First Aid, QPR, SafeTALK, or a pre-approved evidence-based/ informed program by Health360.

Host Site: NAMI Eastside is the East King County affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI Eastside’s mission is to provide advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so that all people impacted by mental illness and mental health conditions can lead healthy and productive lives.

Responsibilities include:

• Participate in designated mental health evidence-based/ informed program instructor training (Date & Location TBD)
• Disseminate mental health certification classes in communities throughout East King County
• Outreach to local community for course participants, as well as recruit and engage community partners
• Promote NAMI Eastside programs – including support groups, presentations, classes, and workshops
• Market programs through press releases, social media and informational sessions
• Track each participant certified through pre and post evaluations
• Submit evaluations as directed by Health360, NAMI Eastside, and training entity
• Advertise courses to the public as designated training site
• Establish and foster relationships with community mental health agencies as partners and resources
• Serve as a resource to course participants and NAMI Eastside program participants on an ongoing basis
• Respect the privacy of course participants, colleagues and others, including the responsibility to protect personal information
• Advocate for mental health awareness by promoting the principles of the course and NAMI Eastside whenever possible
• Grant writing to support mental health focused activities
• Participate in AmeriCorps large service project
• Participate in monthly calls held nationally by Health360
• Assist host siteNAMI Eastside with ongoing mental health community initiatives and regional events

Experience Preferred:

• Personal and/ or professional knowledge of mental health topics
• Strong teaching and/ or training skills and experience, especially with adult learners
• Understanding of mental health issues and resources
• Skills and experience facilitating diverse groups and creating/maintaining a positive, effective learning environment
• Knowledge about mental health resources in her/his community and state
• Positive attitudes towards individuals with mental illnesses
• Enthusiasm for reducing the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness and addiction disorders

Details and Benefits include:

• Complete a 10-month service commitment, specific dates will be determined by the host site supervisor*
• Full-time AmeriCorps position: 1700 service hours – 40 hours per week; 5 holidays, 2.5 personal days off
• AmeriCorps members receive a $19,000 stipend for their service – paid biweekly = 22 checks
• $6,895 Education Award upon completion of service commitment (1700 service hours)
• High School or Higher Education