Work Study positions are available for young people who may face social or financial barriers to participating in volunteer work with YouthLine. Eligible youth who are accepted into the Work Study program receive a stipend of $125 per month for one year.
Work Study participants will develop the following skills through the program:
- Mental Health Awareness & Ambassadorship: Improved understanding and awareness of mental health for self and others, value of sharing within their communities
- Behavioral Health Training: YL training and certifications, promoting help-seeking behaviors
- Community Collaboration: Strengthening community and organizational relationships, teamwork and interpersonal skills, community building
- Professional Development: Technology proficiency, data entry & analysis, time management, organizational and communication skills, public speaking, problem solving
- Personal Development: Social and emotional learning, adaptability, emotional intelligence, confidence
Requirements for Eligibility:
- Interested in and passionate about promoting mental wellness and supporting peers in crisis.
- Ability to work existing YouthLine shift hours and work from a YouthLine office
- Portland office (3:45p- 7:15p or 6:45p-10:15p PST): 5100 S Macadam Ave, Suite 400, Portland, OR 97239
- Bend office (2:45p-6:45p PST): 650 SW Columbia St., OSU Cascades Graduate Research Center – 216, Bend, OR 97702
- Between the ages of 15-20 years old.
- Aptitude for and interest in improving skills related to communication, active listening, and interpersonal interactions.
- Demonstrate responsibility and commitment.
Work Study participants should meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Lives in a single guardian household
- Lives in a rural location
- Qualifies for free or reduced lunch plan.
- Bilingual
- Attends Title 1 School
- Annual household income is at or below the poverty level.
- The commute from the Portland or Bend YouthLine office is 20+ miles.
Funding is limited – preference will be given to candidates that meet multiple criteria.
Work Study Expectations:
- Volunteer for one weekly YouthLine shift for a commitment of one year.
- Complete 65-hour YouthLine Peer Crisis Intervention Specialist Training, including shadow shifts.
- Demonstrate the culture of Lines for Life by modeling behavior that supports the goals and philosophies of Lines for Life and represents the collective voice of YouthLine.
- Answer calls, texts, chats, and emails with compassion and in accordance with Lines for Life’s training expectations and scope.
- Timeliness for meetings and shifts and advance notification of missing shifts, willingness to complete makeup shifts.
- Performs other duties, such as call center and light maintenance, and administrative and organizational tasks as needed.
- Attend monthly YouthLine meetings and monthly supervisor check-in meetings.
- Represent YouthLine in a positive light (this includes the appearance of your personal social media).
- Assist with campaigns and/or extra projects that benefit both YouthLine and Lines of Life.
- Monthly Continuing Education (provided or cost covered by YouthLine).
- Reflect on experience and skill development in weekly journaling.
- Educational Outreach event to chosen group on experience.