MENTAL HEALTH LIAISON

The Mental Health Liaison will be responsible to, and work with, the Camp Director. The Mental Health Liaison serves the Trailblazer through Young Teen camps and is responsible for supporting the emotional and mental well-being of both campers and staff. Being in person for the full week of each camp is ideal. When that is not possible, the Mental Health Liaison will be on call and able to respond promptly by phone, and in person when needed. This role is a first point of contact and a connector to proper resources, not a replacement for licensed counseling or medical care. The Mental Health Liaison will be at least of college age, a Christian, and willing to participate fully in the camping program. A background or coursework in counseling, psychology, social work, or ministry is preferred.

The Mental Health Liaison will lead the following trainings during staff training, so every staff member is prepared and on the same page:

  1. DCFS Mandated Reporter training.

  2. Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion training.

  3. Mental health basics: what anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and other common concerns look like, and how staff should respond.

  4. Call home vs. DCFS: how to tell when a situation calls for contacting a parent/guardian and when it requires a report to DCFS, plus what a good call home should sound like.

The responsibilities of the Mental Health Liaison will include:

  1. Serving as the point person for mental and emotional health concerns involving campers and staff during each assigned week of camp.

  2. Being present at all relevant staff training times and leading the training listed above.

  3. Equipping counselors and staff to recognize warning signs and know when and how to bring a concern to the Mental Health Liaison.

  4. Meeting with campers and staff who are struggling, in person or by phone when on call, providing a calm, caring, and listening presence.

  5. Working with the Camp Director to determine whether a situation calls for contacting a parent/guardian or filing a report with DCFS, and following all Illinois mandated reporter requirements.

  6. Communicating with parents/guardians when appropriate, in coordination with the Camp Director.

  7. Coaching Directors and staff on what calls home should look like, including how to prepare before the call, what information to share, keeping a calm and caring tone, partnering with parents/guardians on next steps, and documenting the call afterward.

  8. Providing helpful resources to campers, staff, and families, such as crisis lines, local counseling options, and follow-up recommendations.

  9. Working closely with the Camp Nurse when concerns overlap with physical health or medications.

  10. Knowing and following the camp plan for mental health emergencies, including when to contact emergency services or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

  11. Keeping confidential and accurate records of all interactions and incidents, and submitting them to the Camp Director.

  12. Following up on campers and staff who have needed support throughout the week.

  13. When on site, being fully engaged with camp activities/worship sessions when liaison responsibilities are complete.

  14. Assisting and working with other camp staff.

  15. Assisting the Camp Director.