The FORT Facilitator Training is a professional development program designed to equip caring adults with the skills and confidence to lead our experiential mental wellness programs for teens.
Through a mix of in-person and online sessions, interactive group discussions, skill-building activities, and real facilitation practice, you’ll develop mental health literacy, learn how to create safe, engaging spaces where teens can connect, build resilience, and feel supported.
Once certified, you’ll be eligible for paid opportunities to facilitate Ryan Bartel Foundation (RBF) workshops as a contractor in after-school programs, and evening/weekend programs for teens in and around Loudoun County, Virginia.
Who Should Apply?
We’re looking for passionate individuals who:
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Are 18 years or older.
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Live within driving distance of Loudoun County.
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Can commit to facilitating a minimum of 6 paid workshops within 12 months of certification (after school, in the evenings, and/or on Sunday afternoons). Have at least 3 years of experience working with teens (educators, coaches, counselors, specialists, youth leaders, therapists, etc.).
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Care deeply about promoting mental health and resilience in teens.
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Possess skills and interests that align with our workshops (yoga, fitness/movement, mindfulness, art, music, horticulture, animals such as therapy dogs or equine, drama/theater, photography, etc.).
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Can complete all FORT Facilitator program requirements
Training Program Includes:
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Youth Mental Health First Aid: Enhance your mental health literacy and skills for supportive conversations and crisis response.
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Grounding in RBF’s Mission: Learn our values and approach to incorporating protective factors into teen experiential mental wellness programs in creative, engaging ways.
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Creating Safe Spaces: Foster acceptance, connection, resiliency, and hope in teens.
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Skill Development: Engage in supported practice, peer learning, feedback, and coaching to advance your teen facilitation skills.
Training Cost:
$75 per participant.
Why Invest?
What’s included in your $75 Fee
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Expert-Led Training – Virtual and in-person sessions with RBF staff, psychologists and youth mental health professionals.
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Certification in Youth Mental Health First Aid - Increased knowledge about mental health challenges facing young people and improved ability to provide support for youth in distress. (Waived for candidates who already have mental health training.)
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Professional Tools – A FORT Facilitator Training Workbook with lesson plan templates, sample workshops, and an icebreakers & games collection.
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Practical Experience – Deliver your own experiential mental wellness workshop to teens and get real-time feedback.
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Paid Opportunities – Once certified, you become eligible to lead paid RBF workshops in schools, after-school programs, and community events, ranging from $65 to $150 depending on experience and length of program.
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Ongoing Support – Coaching, feedback, and professional networking with other facilitators.
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Recognition – Certificate demonstrating your FORT Facilitation skills, your profile on our website, and promotion on social media.
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Meaningful Impact – Directly contribute to the mental health and resilience of local teens.
Expectations
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Complete all training events. All virtual and in-person sessions are mandatory.
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Commit to facilitating a minimum of 6 RBF workshops as a paid contractor during the 12 months following their certification.
The FORT Facilitator Training Path
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Self-Paced Online Course – 2 hours
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Volunteer at one FORT event – Sundays, 1–4 PM
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Blended Youth Mental Health First Aid Course:
2-hour self-paced course + 5.5-hour instructor-led session
(Waived for candidates who already have mental health training.)
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FORT Facilitator Training Part 1:
(Choose one virtual session) 2 hours
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FORT Facilitator Training Part 2:
(Required in-person session) 5 hours
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Deliver First FORT Workshop: Sundays from 1–4 PM
*Completion of all virtual and in-person sessions is mandatory for certification.
Sign up today and start making a lasting difference.
FAQ
Why complete the FORT Facilitator Training? • To learn how to lead creative, resilience-based workshops that explore mindfulness, expressive arts, nature, animals, relationships, and social-emotional support. • To learn strategies to create a safe space for teens to be authentic selves that fosters acceptance, connection with teens and adults, resiliency, and hope. • To provide interactive resilience-based workshops to young people as a paid contractor in RBF’s community-based programs or partnership with RBF in your school or organization. • To join a cohort of professional colleagues passionate about youth mental health and benefit from peer-to-peer sharing of experiences, best practices, and connections. • To get supervised facilitation practice, feedback, and ongoing coaching and support from RBF staff. • To achieve a new professional credential to showcase on professional materials/platforms to differentiate yourself, complete with a certification to distinguish your commitment to building resilience in teens. • To contribute to the RBF mission of fostering a community of acceptance, compassion, and inclusion where all young people feel connected and hopeful and have the will to live.
How do you achieve TMW Facilitator Training Certification? 1. Complete the FORT Facilitator Training Application by September 15, 2025. 2. Participate in a virtual interview with RBF staff. 3. Complete all components of the Fall 2025 Training Schedule. 4. Sign the RBF FORT Facilitator Agreement, committing to facilitating 6 (paid) workshops within 12 months of certification.
How do you maintain your TMW Facilitator Training Certification? Once certified, Facilitators are expected to lead at least six RBF mental wellness workshops (paid) during the 12 months following their certification and will be eligible for additional contracted facilitator roles. Facilitators are encouraged to join coaching calls with RBF staff and colleagues to discuss challenges and opportunities during the year.
Are you interested in becoming a FORT Facilitator?
Receive notification about upcoming training opportunities, click the link below and submit an interest form.
