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Adolescent Mental Health Specialist

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Job highlights

Guyana • South America
In partnership with: Family Enhancement Services Section, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (FESS, MHSSS)

Learn about service in Guyana

Applications are now closed. View current openings.

Special benefits
  • Hands-on, valuable international work experience
  • Travel to and from country, housing and monthly living allowance, and full coverage of medical and dental needs during service
  • Monthly accrued Volunteer service award (readjustment allowance) totaling $5,000 before taxes, with option to access for ongoing financial obligations

Key dates

Apply by

November 15, 2025

Know by

January 15, 2026

Depart on

June 2, 2026

Duration

10 months

Description and qualifications

About the project

The Family Enhancement Services Section of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (FESS, MHSSS) in Guyana has requested the support of Peace Corps Response Volunteers (PCRVs) to serve as Adolescent Mental Health Specialists. FESS is focused on improving the accessibility and effectiveness of social services for at-risk youth and their families. The project will help address the needs of youth aged 10-17 at risk of delinquent behaviors and their families, enhancing coordination between social services and improving the long-term outcomes for vulnerable youth.

The PCRVs will focus on strengthening the technical capacity of social service providers, ensuring effective risk-informed interventions, and fostering collaboration across sectors. Their assistance will enhance the training and support of new staff, improve family counseling techniques, and aid in the implementation of a new risk screening tool, ultimately helping to ensure that the expanded services are delivered effectively and sustainably.

Learn more about what Volunteers do in country by visiting our Guyana project page.

Required skills

Qualified candidates will have the following criteria:

• BA/BS degree in Public Health, Nursing, Sociology, Social Work, with a focus on Youth/Adolescent health
• 3 or more years of experience implementing youth/adolescent-friendly services programs.
• Experience conducting training activities for adults.
• Strong working knowledge of strategic planning, data analysis, and project monitoring and evaluation.

Language: There are no pre-requisite language requirements for this position.

Required behavioral competencies

These competencies are essential for all service assignments and are assessed in the application and interview process:

Motivation for and commitment to service

Adaptability and open-mindedness

Problem solving and resourcefulness

Behavioral maturity and professionalism

Photos from Guyana

Activities

How you and the community will make an impact together:


Living conditions

Learn more about the living conditions, including detailed information on culture, communications, housing, and health/crime statistics on our Guyana country page. You can also delve into stories about local communities by reading our blog or Volunteer stories.

Meet a Volunteer in Guyana

Christopher J headshot

Christopher J.

Small Business Trainer


"It has been rewarding to see how much we can accomplish and how my skills can be applied in different contexts, all from the comfort of my home."

See full Volunteer profile
Training


Couples information

To learn more about serving as a couple in Guyana, visit the country page.


Next steps

Application process

From application to departure takes around nine months. Learn about the application process for Volunteer opportunities.

Medical/legal clearance

You will need to be cleared medically and legally in order to serve in Guyana. Review information on medical clearance and legal clearance to learn about the process.

Learn what it's like to serve in Guyana
Get detailed information on the Volunteer experience.