Mental Health AmeriCorps Program 

Safe Passages is a non-profit organization based in Oakland, CA. We work to improve the lives of children, youth, and families through education programs, community partnerships, and public advocacy. We are looking for passionate, motivated, and dedicated individuals like you to join our AmeriCorps program for a year of service that has already begun.

As an AmeriCorps Mental Health Member, you will support the social-emotional development and mental well-being of students across TK/K–5 elementary school communities. This role focuses primarily on facilitating engaging Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) activities and presenting age-appropriate mental health and wellness topics based on students’ developmental levels and each school’s priorities.

Members will serve across multiple school sites and should expect travel between schools, schedule changes, and rotating assignments to be a regular part of the role. Successful members will be flexible, organized, and comfortable adapting their activities and approach to different grade levels, school environments, and student needs.

Topics may include identifying and expressing emotions, mindfulness, healthy coping skills, stress management, communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, positive relationships, and help-seeking skills.

Through this service experience, members will build meaningful relationships with students, contribute to positive and supportive school environments, and gain hands-on experience in SEL facilitation, mental health education, youth engagement, and school-based wellness programming.

Responsibilities (Your Impact): 

• Facilitate fun, engaging, and developmentally appropriate SEL activities for students in TK–5th grade.

• Present community health and wellness education on topics such as emotional wellness, healthy coping skills, mindfulness, stress management, hygiene, fitness, nutrition, and food security.

• Travel between multiple assigned school sites and adapt activities to each school’s schedule, student population, and SEL priorities.

• Build meaningful and positive connections with students through mentorship, encouragement, and consistent engagement.

• Support safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments that promote student and community well-being.

• Facilitate or assist with school-based and program-wide health, wellness, and family-engagement events.

• Collaborate with school staff, program supervisors, and fellow AmeriCorps members to support student well-being and respond to emerging site needs.

• Collect and accurately track participation, outreach, and student-support data.
  Participate in regular training, team meetings, reflective supervision, and professional development related to SEL, community health, youth development, and leadership.

Please note: This is a multi-site position. Members will be based primarily at our central office in Downtown Oakland and assigned to serve at multiple school sites. Travel between school sites and changes in daily location will be a regular part of the role. School assignments, schedules, and responsibilities may change throughout the program year based on student needs, school-site priorities, and program requirements.

Benefits: 

• Twice monthly living allowance starting at:  

• • $1,157 (full-time)  

• • $868 (part-time – 30 hrs per week)  

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award:  

• • $5,176 (full-time)  

• • $3,697 (part-time – 30 hrs per week)

• Potential transportation stipend (for those receiving CalFresh in Alameda County)

• Application support for CalFresh, Covered CA, and other public benefits  

• Health coverage and childcare reimbursement (full-time members only)  

• Ongoing training and mentorship from experienced educators and community resource navigators. 

Required Qualifications (What You Bring): 

• A genuine interest in serving with children and community members and supporting their growth  

• A positive, flexible, and resilient attitude  

• Communication skills to serve with children, families, school staff, and volunteers 

• Experience with and respect for diverse communities and backgrounds 

Desired Qualifications (Bonus Skills): 

• Experience in community outreach, youth development, teaching or tutoring  

• Demonstrated commitment to community service 

• Bilingual or multilingual skills (highly valued) 

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Must pass criminal history check (FBI, DOJ, NSOPW) searches 

• Proof of tuberculosis clearance  

• High school diploma or equivalent  

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal permanent resident status 

• Commitment to full term of service  

• Must be 17+ at time of service start