Do you want to be a Mental Health Peer?

We are always seeking strong applicants for the Mental Health Peer Program (MHPP). This is a great job in which you will learn a lot about peer counseling, wellness, and campus resources through direct training with psychologists and other mental health providers. You will also help a lot of your fellow students manage their stress and be successful academically and socially! See the job description for more details about the position.

What does a Mental Health Peer do?

JOB DESCRIPTION
Mental Health Peers (MHP) are hired, for a paid position, for one academic year (September – June) and work as a part of the Mental Health Peer Program (MHPP) of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). MHP are available to assist students in acquiring new strategies for coping with the stressors of daily life. MHPs are trained in basic counseling skills and provide students with support, stress management techniques, and peer advising on mental health related issues and concerns. Peers provide drop in-counseling, an individualized School Anxiety Program (SAP), workshops, outreach services, and assisting students with the relaxation rooms. The Mental Health Peer Program (MHPP) also provides many resources, such as brochures on a variety of topics, relaxation media, and “passive bulletin displays” available for check out on relevant topics. MHPs assist with these resources by providing general guidance and directing students to specific resources or making referrals to staff psychologists when appropriate.

MHP DUTIES
  • OFFICE HOURS. Mental Health Peers are expected to work up an average of 10 hours per week for 10 weeks of the quarter, 6-7 of which are office hours at CAPS. MHPP operational hours are determined on a quarter by quarter basis based on the availability of the current MHPs.
  • OUTREACH. MHP take part in campus-wide outreach efforts which require a good deal of planning and organization. Duties include educating students about mental health resources on campus through tabling at various campus events and fairs, developing a liaison project with different areas of campus, disseminating information through campus newsletters, and updating our website. Peers co-lead workshops during the quarter. These workshops are for student groups, organizations, and clubs including sororities and fraternities, campus residence halls, and athletic teams. Attendance at the workshops can range from 5 to 200 students. Peers should demonstrate an ability to lead groups and make presentations. They will also help with advertising our School Anxiety Program by making announcements, contacting professors, and coordinating with Housing and Residential Services.
  • STAFF MEETINGS. There are weekly staff meetings and monthly professional development meetings that are mandatory. Meetings are scheduled each quarter after individual class schedules are confirmed. These meetings will provide MHPs with direction and supervision, as well as provide an opportunity to develop new skills and resume building experiences.

If you are interested and have any questions about the job, we encourage you to come to the Mental Health Peer office, talk to a current peer. To talk with a current peer come to our main CAPS building (Bldg 599) and ask at the front desk to see a peer about learning more about the MHP program.

Applications are now open to become a Mental Health Peer
for the 2018-2019 academic year!

Here is what you need to do to apply:
  • The application is available Orgsync. Click here or the button at the bottom of this page to complete the online application.
  • The application form includes your contact information, four essay questions, a letter of recommendation, and your resume. Be sure to follow the directions on the application itself carefully so that you submit it accurately.
  • If you have any questions, please email Gladys Koscak at [email protected]. 

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS is Wednesday, March 14, 2018 by 11:59pm. NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED.

Information Sessions to learn more about these positions (recommended but not required): 
  • DATES: Thursday February 1st 4-5 pm OR Tuesday February 6th 10-11 am
  • LOCATION: CAPS main building (Bldg 599)

2)  Application submission deadline: Wednesday, March 14, 2018 by 11:59pm (no late applications will be considered)
3)  Group Interview:  Thursday, April 5, 2018 (required only if invited) 
4)  Individual Interview: By individual invitation (required only if invited)                     

* Please note - there is a MANDATORY 40-hour training week that is required for all peers, which will be the week prior to the start of Fall Quarter 

** If you are selected for the position, you must be able to attend the entire week of training, no exceptions.