Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) Facilitator

JOB SUMMARY:

The YAM Facilitator position supports the Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) Initiative. This initiative is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act through the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium with the goal of expanding access to care. YAM is a school-based program for young people ages 13 to 17, in which they learn about and explore the topic of mental health. The position is responsible for delivering evidence-based Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) curriculum to junior high and high school students (training provided). This will require them to work within a team to organize and implement the assigned activities with contracted Independent School Districts (ISDs), communities, and providers across our Northeast Texas region. The position will also assess, monitor, and report on the effectiveness of training. Position requires the ability to function efficiently and effectively as a team member, while also having the capability to work independently with moderate supervision.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES / CRITICAL TASKS:

• Assists with implementation of day-to-day activities of the project initiative by being a part of a cohesive team effort.
• Trains as YAM Program Facilitator and assist as facilitator helper as needed.
• Travels to ISDs in our regions to deliver mental health promotion program (YAM) with diverse groups of junior high and high school students.
• Works with ISD counselors and teachers to ensure student safety and program fidelity.
• Completes assigned training in a timely and efficient manner.
• Evaluates the success of the learning experiences through soliciting feedback/assessment.
• Drafts, edits, and prepares correspondence, reports and other material using word processing, spreadsheets and/or databases.
• Collaborates with professionals in a variety of settings such as higher education institutions, school districts, and others through face-to-face, email, phone or mail contact.
• Maintains Standard Operating Procedures; update as requested.
• Participates in initiative meetings and conference calls as directed.
• Performs activities necessary for production of program outreach engagement materials.
• Assists with preparing and submitting program documents.
• Demonstrates professional behavior in all interactions and utilizes proper telephone etiquette during every call.
• Adheres to internal controls and requirements established for the department and institution.
• Other duties as assigned.

ACCOMPANYING KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrated knowledge working with deadlines and under pressure and the subsequent ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to be flexible, make sound decisions, and demonstrate problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication. Ability to deliver effective presentations.
• Demonstrates professional behavior with sound work habits.
• Capacity to function at a high level in a fast-paced working environment.
• Ability to be flexible, make sound decisions, and demonstrate problem-solving skills.
• Function well as part of a team.

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working with ethnically/culturally diverse groups of youth.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• 2 years of experience in working with youth preferred.
• Experience working with school districts Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Demonstrated knowledge working with deadlines and under pressure and the subsequent ability to prioritize tasks.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATION / LICENSES:

Successful completion of the Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) certification within 6 months of employment is required. The certification program is a 5-hour evidence based, interactive mental health promotion program delivered over 3 or 5 weeks by a certified YAM instructor and an assistant. In order to become a certified YAM instructor, one must attend a 5-day, 40-hour training session, during which participants learn the theory, pedagogy, structure, and how to deliver the program with youth in classrooms.