Utah
Be an active part of improving the mental health of Utah’s youth. Contribute to solutions, explore career opportunities, and serve your community.
Regions
Statewide
Program start date
Fall 2026
Application Window
TBD
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.
Certification Pathways
As a Utah Youth Mental Health Corps Member, you’ll have the opportunity to enter a mental health career path through two certification pathways:
Community Health Worker (CHW)
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.
Activities may include:
- 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 (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.
Activities may include:
- 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
Essential qualifications to participate in the Utah Youth Mental Health Corps
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Must be 18 - 24 years old at start of service
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 (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
Training Opportunities
For the Community Health Worker (CHW) Pathway, 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.
For the Mental Health School Navigator (MHSN) pathway, members 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.
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 Utah Youth Mental Health Corps and how to apply, visit the UServeUtah.
