Mental Health Mentors Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

Mental Health Mentors Coordinator

NAMI Southwestern Illinois
Part-Time Position (Funded by the St. Clair County Mental Health Board)
Location:
Hybrid, mostly remote. St. Clair County, Illinois (Primary service area includes East St. Louis, Cahokia Heights, Belleville, Fairview Heights, Swansea, and surrounding communities)
Reports To: Executive Director or Program Director
Status: Part-Time, Non-Exempt 20 hours a week, $20.00 an hour

Position Summary

The Mental Health Mentors Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and implementing NAMI Southwestern Illinois' Mental Health Mentors Program, a youth and young adult mentorship initiative designed to improve mental health awareness, strengthen resilience, increase access to support services, and create pathways into behavioral health careers.

The coordinator will recruit and support participants, engage families and community partners, facilitate educational and mentorship activities, coordinate volunteers and mentors, and ensure program goals and outcomes are achieved. The position focuses heavily on relationship building, community engagement, youth development, and reducing barriers to mental health support in underserved communities throughout St. Clair County.

The ideal candidate has lived experience with mental health challenges, recovery, caregiving, or youth development and possesses a strong understanding of the unique needs facing historically underserved communities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Coordination

• Coordinate all aspects of the Mental Health Mentors Program. 
• Recruit, enroll, and retain youth and young adult participants. 
• Coordinate mentor recruitment, screening, orientation, and ongoing support. 
• Facilitate individual and group mentoring activities. 
• Maintain participant records and documentation. 
• Monitor participant progress and engagement. 
• Assist with curriculum implementation and program development. 
• Coordinate educational workshops and special events. 

Community Outreach and Engagement

• Build relationships with schools, community organizations, faith communities, youth-serving agencies, and behavioral health providers. 
• Represent NAMI Southwestern Illinois at community events, resource fairs, and networking meetings. 
• Conduct outreach efforts to increase awareness of mental health resources. 
• Promote participation among underserved and historically marginalized populations. 
• Serve as a liaison between participants, families, schools, and community partners. 

Education and Facilitation

• Facilitate mental health education, wellness activities, and skill-building workshops. 
• Assist with delivery of NAMI programs such as: 
  • Ending the Silence 
  • Sharing Hope 
  • Other evidence-informed youth programming 
• Lead discussions on: 
  • Mental health awareness 
  • Coping skills 
  • Resilience 
  • Goal setting 
  • Self-advocacy 
  • Healthy relationships 
  • Career exploration 

Family Engagement

• Build and maintain positive relationships with parents and caregivers. 
• Provide information regarding available mental health resources. 
• Encourage family involvement and support throughout program participation. 
• Assist with family engagement events and educational opportunities. 

Data Collection and Reporting

• Collect participant surveys and outcome measures. 
• Maintain accurate records and program documentation. 
• Track participation, referrals, and community engagement activities. 
• Assist with grant reporting requirements and outcome reporting. 
• Support continuous quality improvement efforts. 

Volunteer and Mentor Support

• Recruit and support volunteers and mentors. 
• Coordinate orientation and training activities. 
• Provide ongoing communication and support. 
• Recognize and celebrate volunteer contributions. 

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required. 
• Associate's Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Education, Public Health, or related field preferred. 
• Experience working with youth, young adults, families, or community programs preferred. 
• Experience in mental health, peer support, prevention, recovery support services, mentoring, education, or community outreach preferred. 
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. 
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel throughout St. Clair County. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Individual with lived experience of a mental health condition, recovery journey, caregiving experience, or other relevant lived experience. 
• Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS), Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS), or willingness to obtain certification. 
• Experience working in culturally diverse communities. 
• Experience facilitating groups or educational presentations. 
• Knowledge of local behavioral health systems and community resources. 

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel throughout St. Clair County. 
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds. 
• Ability to facilitate meetings, workshops, and community events. 

Core Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Relationship Building 
• Youth Development 
• Cultural Humility 
• Trauma-Informed Practices 
• Community Engagement 
• Public Speaking and Facilitation 
• Organization and Time Management 
• Problem Solving 
• Collaboration and Teamwork 
• Commitment to NAMI's mission and values 

Equal Opportunity Statement

NAMI Southwestern Illinois is committed to creating an inclusive environment that values diverse experiences and perspectives. Individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions, family caregiving, recovery, and those reflecting the communities we serve are strongly encouraged to apply.