Make a Difference.
Be a Volunteer Mental Health Navigator.
The Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line is a non-clinical service dedicated to educating, informing, and offering support to individuals seeking information about mental health and addiction services and resources in North Texas. Our goal is to make life-changing and life-saving connections between people who need mental health resources and the professionals who provide services.
Our volunteer mental health navigators are trained in case management and mental health education. Mental health navigators respond to incoming calls and offer mental health information, types of services available, and encouragement. No professional mental health experience is required.
Responsibilities
Answer calls regarding mental health concerns and treatment options.
Collect pertinent information to assess needs and develop an action plan with the caller.
Provide information about mental health conditions and treatment strategies.
Intervene with individuals who are at imminent risk of hurting themselves or others.
Document caller information, mental health concerns, and services provided.
Follow up with callers to assess progress.
Consult with staff regarding callers’ needs to ensure appropriate information and resources are being offered.
Goals for Each Call
With the help of trained mental health navigators, callers should benefit from increased knowledge about how to navigate the mental health system, empowerment to seek treatment, and improved feelings of hope and support.
Requirements
A Volunteer Mental Health Navigator must have personal experience with mental illness and recovery, defined as:
Having had a mental health condition
Having had a relationship with someone who had a mental health condition
Having been a student or professional in the mental health field
A Volunteer Mental Health Navigator must be:
At least 18 years of age
Currently living in the North Texas area
Computer proficient
Able to master the case management software and telephone system
Comfortable talking on the phone
Able to discuss difficult, complex topics
Able to comply with confidentiality and legal requirements
Able to work in a team environment
A quick learner and able to adapt to new challenges
An active listener
Able to communicate with empathy
Willing to communicate empathically with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, gender identity, sexual orientation, and age groups, including adults, youth, family members, professionals and community agencies
Training and Support Total training
Total training commitment is approximately 40 hours:
28 hours of classroom training
6 hours of call observation
6 hours on the navigation line with supervision
All 40 hours must be served to successfully complete the training requirement
Time Commitment
After the training is complete, mental health navigators are asked to serve a minimum of six hours per month (two 3-hour shifts, or one 6-hour shift) for at least six months. Shifts are available Monday–Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Grant Halliburton Foundation is dedicated to creating a fulfilling and effective volunteer opportunity for you. Thank you for your commitment to our community!
Applications for the fall 2024 training are due Friday, August 9.
