RSN Volunteer-Mentor Program Guidelines

All interested applicants must have or complete the NC Peer Support Specialist (NCPSS) Certification to be an RSN mentor. NCPSS Requirements:

At least 18 years old
High school diploma or equivalent
Lived experience in recovery from trauma, mental health, or substance use disorder
In recovery for at least one year

Once the applicant is accepted into the Mentor Program, they must complete a 60-90 day Mentor Program Candidate Internship. The length is dependent on their PSS/RCA training status. During the Mentor Program Candidate Internship, mentor candidates will participate in RSN Orientation, receive internal trainings from RSN staff pertaining to mentoring, and co-facilitate RSN Youth Peer Support Groups alongside RSN staff and current mentors.  

Upon completion of the Mentor Program Candidate Internship, RSN will provide scholarships for all necessary training to complete the NCPSS certification requirements.  If an applicant already has their PSS certification, RSN provides training to meet recertification requirements. In exchange for these scholarships, RSN requires a minimum (2) two hours per week commitment over six months to serve as an RSN youth mentor.

In the event that a mentor-youth match is unavailable, RSN mentors can satisfy their service commitment by representing RSN in community events, presentations, and speaking engagements within their community, peer group facilitation, and other activities vital to supporting community youth and broadening RSN’s networking base.

RSN Mentors will receive an orientation prior to beginning service and ongoing supervision from the RSN Program Manager and other RSN staff.

Please note: Completion of this application does not guarantee acceptance into the mentor program. Upon reviewing the application an interview will be scheduled for qualified applicants.  All qualified applicants will be subject to a sex offender/background check.

Thank you for your interest in becoming an RSN Mentor.