Mental Health Initiative Member- Colorado National Monument

Grand Valley Mental Health Initiative Internship

Summary American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service is seeking three Members to contribute to the Grand Valley Mental Health Initiative alongside Colorado National Monument and Mesa County Suicide Prevention Coalition Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Position Overview:

The intern(s) will serve with community partners to evaluate mental health project concepts that were developed by the National Park Service (NPS) Generating Organizational Achievement and Leadership (GOAL) Academy in 2021/2022. At the end of the internship, the intern will provide Colorado National Monument staff with recommendations on which projects to implement, along with next steps and information on how to sustain future mental health efforts.

The NPS preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. In addition to preserving resources found within parks, the NPS seeks to improve the mental health and wellness of its most important assets: employees, visitors, and community members.

Selected intern(s) will consult with NPS employees and subject matter experts as well as conduct individual research to evaluate the viability, sustainability, and suitability of previously designed mental health projects. The nature of this work can be complex and emotionally difficult; candidates will need a strong interest in mental wellness. Intern(s) will collaborate with a variety of NPS partners, including School District 51, Mesa County Public Health and the local Suicide Prevention Coalition. This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Intern(s) will learn skills related to project implementation and execution in the NPS. They will also develop a knowledge of key park partnerships and park resources. As a result of this experience, they will be better prepared for future job opportunities in public land management or human services.

Location Details/Description: Colorado National Monument, located on the Western Slope of Colorado, preserves one of the grandest landscapes of the American West. The monument has more than 700,000 visitors annually and it provides many recreational uses for them such as bicycling along Rim Rock Drive, camping in the 80-site campground, hiking, rock climbing, and picnicking. The monument is in close proximity to the towns of Fruita (7 miles) and Grand Junction (17 miles). The surrounding area has a population of approximately 150,000 people. Most community and commercial facilities are located in Grand Junction, including Colorado Mesa University, several hospitals, shopping facilities and churches. The climate is dry, high desert with summer daytime temperatures ranging from 85 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Project Website: For more information about the Colorado National Monument, please visit the Monument's website at: http://www.nps.gov/colm/index.htm.

Start Date: 02/01/2023 Estimated End Date: 19 paid weeks from the position start date *a 19-week minimum commitment is required*

Schedule: 15 hours/week for 19 weeks. Scheduled hours may vary as long as a minimum of 15 hours per week are accrued. Most work may be completed remotely via telework. Some travel may be required to Colorado National Monument or Mesa County Suicide Prevention Coalition offices. Work will be conducted in Mountain Time, but intern(s) will be expected to collaborate with NPS employees across multiple time zones.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute an average of 15 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $300/week (a $20/hr equivalent) to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility or view general information onlin­e here.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or NPS.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Specific training may include orientation to the NPS, mental health initiatives within the NPS, suicide prevention training, and ASSIST training.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required three-part criminal history check / two-part criminal history.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members must verify that they are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 or have requested and been granted a medical or religious exemption to vaccination by the time they start their term.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree in human services and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as mental health prevention and education.
• Knowledge of suicide prevention and education.
• Ability and willingness to be flexible and review difficult/emotional concepts.
• Deep interest in suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. A passion for mental health and wellness in the outdoors.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact Deanna Stark at dstark@usaconservation.org

EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Current Openings for Mental Health Initiative Member Colorado National Monument Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC