Health Skills   

PLEASE NOTE: This is Mental Health First Aid for people serving Youth. This course is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.

Topics covered include: 

• Anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.
• Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in this age group, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
• Common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges.
• How to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis.
• How to connect the youth with help.
• Expanded content on trauma, substance use, self-care and the impact of social media and bullying.

This course prepares students to become effective and compassionate Community Health Workers (CHWs) by developing foundational skills and knowledge aligned with Illinois CHW core competencies. Learners will explore the vital role CHWs play in bridging communities with health systems and advancing health equity. Through interactive modules, real-world scenarios, and hands-on projects, students will build a well-rounded skill set to support individuals, families, and communities in navigating complex systems of care.

Key competencies covered in the course include:

• Communication, Interpersonal Skills, and Relationship Building
• Service Coordination and System Navigation
• Advocacy and Capacity Building
• Professional Skills and Conduct
• Public Health Knowledge and Approaches
• Health Education and Facilitation
• Knowledge of Body Systems and Health Conditions
• Individual and Community Assessment
• Cultural Awareness and Responsiveness
• CHW Fieldwork Experience

Course Format:

Designed with Community Health Workers in mind, this course offers a convenient and engaging blend of live online sessions and self-paced learning experiences. Whether you're balancing work, family, or community commitments, this flexible format makes it easy to stay connected and build real-world skills that matter in the Community Health Worker field.

The course is broken up into two sessions focused on theory; one 8-week session for fieldwork.

Course Dates:

Session 1: January 26th- March 13th

Session 2: March 23rd- May 15th

Session 3: Fieldwork is arranged during Session 2 and begins after session 2 ends

What you Achieve:

• A Community Health Worker Professional Certificate and Badge
• A high-quality educational experience that is relevant to the CHW field and meets all the compentencies set forth by the Illinois Department of Public Health
• National Mental Health First Aid Certification
• Trauma Informed Care Certificate

Cost: Upon approval of application, your course work will be grant funded. This professional certificate is valued at $750.00 per person.