Peer Support Summer Associate VISTA

AmeriCorps VISTA – Peer Support Summer Associate

NAMI Southwest Iowa • Full-Time Summer Position
Perfect for students interested in mental health, data systems, public health, or nonprofit work!

Overview

Want real-world experience that strengthens mental health services for rural communities? NAMI Southwest Iowa is seeking a Summer VISTA Member to help build sustainable systems that support peer-led mental health education, opioid recovery programming, and one-to-one navigation services across nine rural counties.

This is a hands-on opportunity to support mental health efforts in communities that often have the fewest resources—while gaining valuable skills in data management, program coordination, research, and nonprofit operations.

What You’ll Do

As a Summer VISTA, you will complete key infrastructure projects that help NAMI scale programs, improve reporting, and maintain funding. You will:

• Assist in implementing BeePurple, NAMI’s new centralized data system for tracking peer support services
• Organize and migrate historical program data into the platform
• Create documentation and procedures to guide ongoing data entry and reporting
• Develop a funding research database, focusing on opioid settlement grants and other expansion opportunities
• Build a digital resource library for program materials, grant files, and internal tools
• Help design a streamlined calendar coordination system that reduces duplicate data entry
• Strengthen NAMI’s ability to track outcomes and coordinate services for individuals experiencing mental illness and substance use challenges

Why This Role Matters

Accurate data and strong internal systems directly impact NAMI’s ability to serve people in crisis, expand recovery programs, and reach rural residents who often face the greatest barriers to care. Your work will help ensure NAMI’s programs remain free, accessible, and sustainable long-term.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Build practical skills in database systems, evaluation, nonprofit ops, and project management
• Contribute to meaningful mental health and recovery services in rural Iowa
• Work closely with experienced program directors and support staff
• Gain résumé-building experience in a rapidly growing field
• Receive a Summer VISTA living allowance and education award at the end of service

Who Should Apply

Great for students studying:
• Psychology
• Social Work
• Public Health
• Criminal Justice
• Human Services
• Data Science / Informatics
• Nonprofit Management
• Sociology
• Community & Public Service
…or anyone passionate about improving mental health systems.

How to Apply

Apply through the MyAmeriCorps portal by searching:
NAMI Southwest Iowa – Data & Program Infrastructure Summer VISTA