NAMI Mental Health Mentor Application

NAMI of Erie County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, adolescents, adults, and families affected by mental illness through recovery-focused support, education, and advocacy. Our programs are peer-led and we want passionate, knowledgeable individuals like you to help us continue educating the Erie community about mental health.

We are looking to train facilitators for the following programs:

NAMI Basics: a six-week course for parents and caregivers who have a child (ages 3-17) facing mental and behavioral health challenges. NAMI Basics teaches participants about mental illness and behavioral disorders, treatments available for their child, how the mental health system works, proper advocacy techniques, and the importance of caring for yourself, in addition to caring for your family and child.

Peer-to-Peer: an eight-week course for adults experiencing mental health challenges. The course is designed to encourage growth, healing, and recovery among participants. NAMI’s Peer-to-Peer mentors provide support and compassion from shared experiences.

Family-to-Family: an eight-week course for family members and loved ones of adults experiencing mental health challenges. The course provides participants with comprehensive information on mental illness. It teaches self-care, problem-solving skills, and communication skills, which can later be taught to the entire family unit. Classes are taught by trained mentors, or family teachers, who have faced the challenges of a loved one living with mental illness, treatments and medications, and rehabilitation.

Exploring the Arts: an eight-class program for children and students to learn the foundations of mental health and wellness and encourage self-help. Classes include artistic and creative activities such as movement, coloring, painting, reading, journaling and more.

Peer Support Group: groups for adults experiencing mental health challenges. Often, these take place at other locations with organizations such as Stairways, Mental Health Association, and more. There is also opportunity for them to occur on site at our office. Depending on the audience, a curriculum may be encouraged or required.

Family Support Group: groups for adults who have a family member or loved one experiencing mental health challenges. These may take place at our office or other locations.

Mental Health Presentations: presentations for school-aged or college-aged students about various mental health topics.

Mental Health First Aid: an 8-hour evidence-based training created by The National Council for Mental Wellbeing that helps individuals recognize signs and symptoms of a mental health challenge and crisis, and provides an action plan to get connected to appropriate resources.

Community Events: talking about NAMI and our services at various presentations and table events throughout the community.

Facilitator Requirements:

Willingness to undergo training and to adhere to fidelity to any curriculum-based programs (i.e. NAMI Basics, Peer-to-Peer, Family-to-Family, Mental Health First Aid).
Understanding of mental health and mental health resources.
Compassion and empathy for those with mental health challenges.

Apply Here!