New Jersey
New Jersey is facing a youth mental health crisis. A recent NJ Department of Children and Families (DCF) survey found that 65% of parents are very or somewhat concerned about their children's well-being, while 34% report that their school-aged children have poor or only fair mental health.
Partners
Partners
Regions
Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey
Program start date
Fall 2026
Application Window
Summer of 2026
Career Pathways Available
• Community Health Worker
• Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
• School-based Mental Health Navigator
Program Description
In response to this urgent need, New Jersey's Youth Mental Health Corps is answering the call. Through five (5) NJ AmeriCorps programs, hosted by the New Jersey Department of State, dedicated members will serve on the front lines—in communities, schools, homeless shelters, recovery programs, and in the youth justice system—working directly to support children and families when they need it most.
five programs to address the following areas:
- Substance Abuse and Addictions
- Community Health and Mental Health
- NJ Community Based School Services
- Youth Justice Programs
Partners
The five New Jersey AmeriCorps programs that will be collaborating on the Youth Mental Health Corps are:
- Jewish Renaissance Foundation (Middlesex County)
- Montclair State University (Essex County)
- New Jersey Community Development Corporation (Passaic County)
- Recovery Corps (Camden County)
- Rutgers School of Nursing (Camden County)
Certification Pathways
As a New JerseyYouth Mental Health Corps Member, you’ll have the opportunity to enter a mental health career path through three certification pathways:
Community Health Navigator
This role is trained to help youth and families gain access to healthcare services, social support, and community resources by addressing barriers to services and helping to guide them through complex health and social service systems.
Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
Certified training for individuals with lived experience with addiction or recovery.
School-based Mental Health Navigator
This role is trained to connect students and families to mental health resources, services and support systems within the school and broader community to help address behavioral and emotional needs.
Qualifications
To ensure you are eligible to serve, please review the essential qualifications to participate in the New Jersey Youth Mental Health Corps.
Must be 18 - 24 years old at start of service
Must have a High School Diploma or GED equivalent
Must pass a criminal history check
Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or Legal Permanent Resident
Member Benefits
While all Youth Mental Health Corps members have access to a variety of professional support, financial, and personal supports, New Jersey members will have access to:
Members serving at the Rutgers Camden School of Nursing will receive community-based nursing experience, support from Nursing faculty/staff, and other professional development opportunities.
Members placed with The Recovery Corps program will participate in the Certified Peer Recovery Specialist training, as well as Certified Peer Support Practitioner Certification and Wellness Recovery Action Plan training.
Members serving with NJCDC and the Jewish Renaissance Foundation will have access to professional development workshops, exposure to career pathways in public health and behavioral health, as well as career coaching.
Members serving with Montclair State University are serving in partnership with Adolescent Service of the NJ Department of Health and the Office of the Public Defender and providing case management and resource information on housing, food security, and appointments.
NJ YMHC members will have networking opportunities within New Jersey as well as opportunities with YMHC members from programs across the nation.
Training Opportunities
To ensure all members are continuing their training and education, each New Jersey program will help its members develop an individualized training plan aligned with the goals and future career aspirations of each member.
Opportunities may include:
Colette Lamothe-Galette Community Health Worker (CLG-CHW) Institute Certificate of Completion
- In partnership with the New Jersey Department of Health, the Youth Mental Health Corps members may obtain the CLG-CHW Institute Certificate of Completion.
- For more information about the CLG-CHW Institute, please visit: Department of Health | Family Health Services | Colette Lamothe-Galette Community Health Worker Institute
NJ YMHC members will have the opportunity to attend NJ State Commission Sponsored events such as AmeriCorps Launch, Career Day, professional networking opportunities and an End of Year Celebration.
Member Engagement & Support
We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and supportive environment where members can connect, learn, and grow.
Our aim is to equip you with the tools, skills, and experiences necessary to overcome challenges during your service and thrive in your future career.
Interested in Applying?
To learn more about the New Jersey Mental Health Corps, please email Christina.Wolfe@sos.nj.gov .
