Utah Youth Mental Health Corps
Be an active part of improving the mental health of Utah’s youth. Contribute to solutions, explore career opportunities, and serve your community. Receive training, certification, and/or credentialing recognized in the industry. Join the YMHC and create your professional opportunities today.
Regions
Statewide
Program start date
August 2025
Career Pathways Available
Community Health Worker, Mental Health School Navigator
Program Description
AmeriCorps members participating in Utah’s Youth Mental Health Corps will embark on an exciting path, helping youth in communities across the state access mental health resources and improve their well-being. During their time in the YMHC, members will enjoy hands-on experience while earning recognized credentials that represent a beneficial step toward fulfilling and in-demand careers in the healthcare, mental health, and social services fields.
Community Health Worker (CHW) Pathway
- Community Health Workers are trusted and knowledgeable frontline health personnel who often come from the communities they assist. CHW’s expand access to coverage and care, and improve health outcomes for individuals and families.
- Members will be working to obtain the CHW state certification during their term of service which requires being 18 years of age or older, passing a federal background check, completing the Utah Core Skills Training program, and verifying 300 hours of work experience serving communities.
Mental Health School Navigator (MHSN) pathway
- MHSNs connect students and their families to mental health resources and social support systems. They may support licensed healthcare professionals by promoting recovery and well-being or by performing allowable administrative and supportive functions.
- MHSNs will work under the general supervision of a mental health therapist or another trained professional and may be enrolled in an institution of higher learning, working to obtain a post-secondary degree. They will serve anywhere from 300 to 450 hours, earning up to 4 - 6 semester hours toward their degree.
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Member Activities
Community Health Worker Pathway:
- Establish trusting relationships with patients and their families
- Conduct intake interviews with patients utilizing motivational interviewing
- Enroll and/or refer patients to applicable health and community resources
- Follow up with patients via phone calls, home visits, and other platforms
- Work with clinical teams to ensure patients have comprehensive and coordinated care
- Document patient activities and outcomes in appropriate databases
- Learn to conduct health screenings and provide basic health education
Mental Health School Navigator Pathway:
- Connect students and families to mental health services, resources, and educational information
- Partner with families, schools, and mental health providers to improve students’ educational experiences
- Support administrative and care coordination (e.g. - maintain accurate and confidential client records, collect data, make progress notes, incident reports, referrals, and after care documentation)
- Support non-clinical assessment, monitoring, and care planning activities
- Support intervention and treatment activities
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Member Training and Support
All YMHC members will have a variety of required and/or optional training and support that may include but is not limited to the following:
- AmeriCorps state programs orientation
- Professional development and technical assistance throughout a service term
- Supplemental career readiness and career development activities
- Information about college readiness
- Workshop opportunities on durable skills, labor market information, and service-to-career pathways
YMHC members participating in the MHSN pathway will also receive the following training:
- Suicide Prevention (Mental Health First Aid and/or Creating Safety)
- Multi-Tiered Levels of Support (MTSS)
- Trauma Informed Practices
Essential qualifications to participate in the Texas Youth Mental Health Corps include:
Must be 18 - 24 years old at start of service
Must have a High School Diploma or GED (General Education Development) equivalent
Must be a United States citizen, United States national, or Lawful Permanent Resident
Must pass a criminal background check
Member Benefits
As a member, you'll get:
The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
Potential eligibility for a living stipend, depending on program
Career exploration
Professional development
Member Assistance Program (MAP)
Credential attainment (ie - CHW certification or post secondary semester hours)
Personal benefits such as improved mental health, a stronger sense of purpose, and expanded social connections
Youth Mental Health Corps
To learn more about the Utah Youth Mental Health Corps and how to apply, visit UServeUtah’s website.
Become a Community or State Partner
Learn more about how to become a partner to bring the Youth Mental Health to your community or to sponsor a state-wide Youth Mental Health Corps.
Resources for Mental Health
Utah Youth Mental Health Corps is committed to achieving accessibility of mental health services. While not a substitute for those services, a list of resources has been curated for those in need.
National Resources
Utah Department of Health and Human Services Substance Use and Mental Health
Utah Live On
SafeUT
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Crisis Text Line
The Jed Foundation
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
MentalHealth.gov