Tennessee Voices for Children

PURPOSE: Tennessee Voices for Children offers the Columbia TeenScreen Program to High Schools, Middle Schools and Agencies across the State. TeenScreen is a program that identifies youth who are at risk for suicide and / or suffering from undiagnosed mental illness and helps them obtain appropriate treatment. Although most screening programs take place in schools, TeenScreen can also be implemented in residential treatment facilities, foster care settings, clinics, shelters, drop-in centers and other settings that serve youth. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist with the overall TeenScreen process (i.e. collecting forms, administration of health screen, escorting students, etc.) QUALIFICATIONS: College Students and other Adults interested in Children’s Mental Health and screening. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS: A 30 to 45 minute training session prior to the first screening to review the screening instrument and TeenScreen procedures. TIME AND PLACE: Varies. We travel to schools and agencies across the State of Tennessee to run TeenScreen Programs. We are usually hosted by Middle Schools and High Schools and we screen youth during the hours of the school or agency operation. COMMITMENT: One can commit to volunteering with TeenScreen as many hours or days that we are running the program. We would like to get a list of volunteers that we are able to contact across the State, that we can contact depending on the location of the TeenScreen. SUPERVISION / EVALUATION: Supervision will be provided by Tricia Harman, the TeenScreen Coordinator and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Performance Evaluations will be conducted on a semi-annual basis. BENEFITS: Those who volunteer with the TeenScreen Program will be exposed to a national screening instrument that screens for high risk behaviors in youth such as suicide, depression, anxiety, etc. They have an opportunity to meet and interview with youth and assist them in locating resources to meet their needs. Some volunteers will appreciate the opportunity to work with and / or network with other local Mental Health Professionals. Snacks are provided during the screening blocks. Sometimes meals are provided when appropriate.