AmeriCorps Volunteer - iRIZE Student Liaison

NMHC Volunteer – iRIZE Student Liaison

Please note - this is not traditional employment, this is a 10-month AmeriCorps service commitment.

National Mental Health Corps Mission: Leading the charge to solve the mental health workforce crisis.

RIZE Prevention Mission: Inspire and equip youth to “rize above” the influence of substance use and addiction.

RIZE Prevention is seeking a passionate, energetic, and relationship-driven individual to serve as an iRIZE Student Liaison AmeriCorps Volunteer. This role is designed for someone deeply committed to empowering middle school students to rise above the influence of substance use, build healthy peer relationships, and navigate the challenges of adolescence with confidence and support.

The iRIZE Student Liaison plays a vital role in the success of the iRIZE program by serving as a trusted mentor, advocate, and connector within partner middle schools throughout the school year. This individual will work closely with students, school administrators, counselors, parents, and community partners to provide prevention-focused programming and social-emotional support that equips youth to make healthy choices and thrive.

The iRIZE Student Liaison serves as a public-facing representative of RIZE Prevention and acts as a key bridge between schools, families, and prevention resources. This individual will support the Executive Director and the Student Liaison Coordinator in implementing the iRIZE program while cultivating meaningful relationships throughout the school community.

This role requires a professional who is compassionate, adaptable, highly organized, and eager to engage with students in authentic and impactful ways. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative environment, communicates effectively with diverse audiences, and approaches every task - large or small - with excellence and purpose.

Key Responsibilities

Student Engagement & Mentorship

• Build meaningful relationships with middle school students throughout the school year
• Mentor and encourage students in making healthy lifestyle choices and resisting substance use
• Provide guidance and support related to mental health, social, emotional, and peer-related challenges
• Connect students and families with appropriate intervention and support resources through the Community Connector for Families in Crisis (CCFC)

Training & Education

• Participate in all designated evidence-based or evidence-informed mental health trainings provided by the host site or NMHC to ensure preparedness for service activities.
• Attend and actively participate in all required NMHC trainings, meetings, and compliance-related activities.

Program Support & Outreach

• Attend and support all iRIZE school presentations, pep rallies, student lunches, and related events
• Assist with event preparation, logistics, setup, and follow-up communication
• Maintain ongoing communication with students, parents, counselors, and administrators regarding program opportunities and resources
• Promote awareness of the iRIZE program and its evidence-based approach to prevention and intervention support

School & Community Partnerships

• Serve as the primary RIZE Prevention representative within assigned middle schools
• Develop strong relationships with school counselors, teachers, administrators, and support staff
• Collaborate with schools to coordinate presentations, events, referrals, and prevention initiatives
• Support communication between families and RIZE Prevention resources

Data Collection & Program Evaluation

• Collect, track, and report performance measure data to both the host site and NMHC in alignment with project goals and grant requirements.
• Contribute to ongoing evaluation processes to assess program outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and support the development of evidence around service efficacy.

Summer Program Support

• Assist with iRIZE summer programs and community partnerships (when applicable)
• Support program facilitation and relationship-building with participating students and organizations
• Encourage student engagement and personal growth throughout summer programming

Qualifications

First and foremost, applicants must share a passion for the National Mental Health Corps’ and RIZE Prevention’s missions.

The ideal candidate is a college graduate with experience or educational background in (please note a degree is not a requirement):

• Education
• Social work
• Counseling
• Youth ministry
• Community outreach
• Student mentorship or advising
• Or related human services fields

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• A passion for youth development and prevention work
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational and relationship-building abilities
• A positive, solutions-oriented mindset
• Initiative, professionalism, and adaptability
• Creativity and confidence in community engagement and outreach
• Comfort with technology, communication tools, and social media platforms
• Ability to provide proof of U.S. citizenship

Position Details & Benefits

Full-time AmeriCorps Position:

• A 10-month service commitment, completing 1,700 service hours (40 hours per week)
• 5 holidays and 2.5 personal days
• $21,000 stipend for service, paid biweekly in 22 equal installments
• $7,395 Education Award upon successful completion of service

All applicants must complete the National Mental Health Corps Application

“A proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network"

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance
• High school Diploma or equivalent (Required)

Work Location: In person, Maudlin, SC