Utah
More than one in four of Utah’s young people report experiencing depression or anxiety, compared to the national average of 18%. Become part of the reason Utah’s youth feel supported and connected while building your own professional future.
Regions
Statewide
Program start date
Fall 2026
Application Window
Fall 2026 - Summer 2027
Career Pathways Available
• Mental Health School Navigator
• Peer Support Specialist
• Community Health Worker
Program Description
AmeriCorps members participating in Utah’s Youth Mental Health Corps will embark on an exciting path, helping youth and young adults in schools and communities across the state access mental health resources and improve their well-being. During their service, members will enjoy hands-on experience while receiving formal training and can earn post secondary credits and/or certifications that represent a beneficial step toward fulfilling and in-demand careers in the healthcare, behavioral health, and social services fields.
Programs
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Utah County
- One Utah Service Fellowship
Certification Pathways
As a member of Utah’s Youth Mental Health Corps, you have the opportunity to enter a mental health career path through one of three certification pathways:
Mental Health School Navigator
Mental Health School Navigators connect students and their families to social support systems and mental health resources. They promote well-being by performing administrative and supportive functions.
Activities may include:
- Connecting students and families to mental health services, community resources, and educational information
- Partnering with families, schools, and mental health providers to improve students’ educational experiences
- Supporting administrative and care coordination
- Performing non-restricted services and skill building interventions
Peer Support Specialist
Peer Support Specialists are individuals who use their own lived experience with recovery, mental health, or youth-serving systems to support others.
Activities may include:
- Offering non-clinical guidance, working alongside clinical teams while remaining in a peer role and focusing on connection, mentoring, and support in communities
- Helping youth and young adults navigate systems and build healthy social networks for greater connection and success emotionally, academically, and in the world of work
- Connecting youth, young adults, and families to mental health services, resources, and educational information
- Helping youth and young adults build self-esteem, self advocacy, and decision-making skills
- Fostering hope and reduce stigma
Community Health Worker
Community Health Workers are trusted and knowledgeable frontline health personnel who come from the communities they serve, expanding access to coverage and care and improving health outcomes.
Activities may include:
- Establishing trusting relationships with patients and their families
- Conducting intake interviews with patients utilizing motivational interviewing
- Enrolling and/or refer patients to applicable health and community resources
- Following up with patients via phone calls, home visits, and other platforms
- Working with clinical teams to ensure patients have comprehensive and coordinated care
- Documenting patient activities and outcomes in appropriate databases
- Learning to conduct health screenings and provide basic health education
Megan Perkins
Mental Health School Navigator and Youth Mental Health Corps Leadership Fellow
Qualifications
Essential qualifications to participate in Utah’s Youth Mental Health Corps:
Must be 18 - 24 at start of service to serve as a Mental Health School Navigator or Community Health Worker
Must be 18 - 29 at start of service to serve as a Peer Support Specialist
Must have a High School Diploma or GED equivalent
Must pass a criminal background 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, Utah members will have access to:
The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
Potential eligibility for a living stipend, depending on program
Career exploration
Professional development
Member Assistance Program: Confidential 24/7 mental health and wellness support for AmeriCorps members
Credential attainment (ie - Community Health Worker certification, Peer Support Specialist certification, Behavioral Health Technician certification, post secondary semester hours, or other formally recognized training)
Personal benefits such as improved mental health, a stronger sense of purpose, and expanded social connections
Training Opportunities
For the Mental Health School Navigator pathway, members may:
- Work under the general supervision of a mental health therapist or another trained professional
- Serve in junior high or high schools, after-school programs, or community based programs
- Receive formal training in the areas of suicide prevention, trauma informed practices, foundational behavior training, creating safety, and multi-tiered levels of support
- Potentially earn up to 4 - 6 semester hours toward their degree
For the Peer Support Specialist pathway, individuals with lived experience will:
- Pursue the Peer Support Specialist state certification, receiving 40 hours of training in core communication techniques, active listening, navigation and advocacy, ethics and boundaries, and crisis response and trauma-informed care and passing the required test, or;
- Pursue the Behavioral Health Technician certification through Utah’s Division of Professional Licensing as a matriculated student seeking an Associates Degree in an approved program
- Serve in private or non-profit organizations such as community behavioral health agencies or post secondary institutions
For the Community Health Worker Pathway, members will:
- Pursue the CHW state certification
- Complete the required 90 hours of the Utah Core Skills Training program which includes core competency opportunities such as communication skills, advocacy, outreach and engagement, system navigation, and health literacy
- Serve 300 hours in their communities, helping families navigate resources, expand the capacity of school or community-based clinics, and build rapport with students and families
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 Utah’s Youth Mental Health Corps and how to apply, fill out the UServeUtah’s interest form.
To learn more about how to become a partner to bring the Utah Youth Mental Health Corps to your community, contact us.
