Members collaborate with the community to develop mental and emotional wellness resources in rural, frontier, and tribal communities. This is achieved by assessing diverse areas of mental health concerns, planning and implementing emotional wellness programs and strategies based on the findings from a community assessment, all while trying to reduce the stigma that emotional/mental health carries. Members must be comfortable meeting new people and establishing connections and partnerships with a variety of people and organizations. They must have strong communication skills, verbal and written, be comfortable facilitating groups, and be open minded in the face of differing opinions.
Service Activities
Perform program assessments to understand the needs of the community through surveys, interviews, or focus groups. Develop programs that address community needs and concerns through regular interactions with residents at local events and community outreach. Implement programs through community volunteers to keep the program sustainable.
Community Need Addressed
When someone is in a mental health crisis, frontier Montana lacks many of the resources individuals need. At the time someone reaches a crisis, they are referred to the police or the emergency room. Montana frontier and tribal communities need the valuable insight and experience from individuals who are passionate about helping others to develop programs and resources that will help those in need before they reach a crisis. Some areas this can be achieved is through education on suicide awareness and prevention, healthy eating and physical activity to combat chronic disease, the dangers of under age drinking and drug abuse, seat belt safety, and youth development, among others.
Position Outcomes
The desired result is a decrease in the mental health stigma, a decrease in suicide rates and an increase in healthy living.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Qualified members are eligible for housing assistance. It is recommended that individuals have their own transportation.
Education Benefits
College Degree, Credential or Certification
Skills you will gain
Program development and management, cultural competence, group facilitation, public speaking, community outreach, communication, team work, teaching, leadership development.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment