Project FUTRE prepares you for a range of behavioral health and community-support positions. Depending on the employer and role, job titles may include:  

1. Parent and Family Support Specialist
2. Behavioral Health Paraprofessional
3. Community Outreach Worker
4. Social Services Aide
5. Mental Health Worker
6. Community health worker/representative, Promotoro/a/e (with additional certification) 
7. Youth Worker 

The program is specifically designed to prepare you to support children and families affected by substance use disorders.

Project FUTRE is designed for Arizona residents at least 21 years of age with lived experience supporting a family member or other adult through substance use recovery who are interested in using that experience to support children and families. Applicants from throughout Arizona and from a wide range of backgrounds are welcome. 

The program prioritizes varied life experiences when selecting each cohort, and applicants who are interested in continuing into the paid apprenticeship may receive admission priority.

Applicants complete an online application that includes multiple written essays. The application asks about your demographics, personal experiences and socioeconomic status. Please note that your essay responses are an important part of your application. Applicants who are selected for an interview will continue to the second round. After the interviews, we will call you if you are invited to become a trainee. 
 

Yes. You do not need previous behavioral health work experience to benefit from Project FUTRE. The program is designed to help you turn your personal or family experience with substance use recovery into professional skills you can use to support others.  One Project FUTRE graduate, Victoria Molina, who later became a program trainer described her experience this way: “I came into this field not knowing much about behavioral health. I have since learned a lot about myself, how to approach my own recovery, and how to take that and use it going forward.” See the full article.

Plan on spending approximately five to 10 hours per week on Level 1 Training for six months. The program includes 144 hours of live online classes plus 16 hours of professional shadowing with a partner organization, for 160 hours total. The live online classes are usually hosted 9–11 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, though that is subject to change.  

Your classes are held online through Zoom, while your professional shadowing takes place in-person with a behavioral health agency or integrated health care provider.

Yes, a GED or high school diploma is enough. Future career degrees are always welcomed and encouraged as you pursue your work in behavioral health. 

You do not need to be in personal recovery yourself. Project FUTRE is specifically designed for people with personal or family experience in substance use recovery. The program trains you to become a Parent and Family Support Specialist who can help children and families affected by substance use disorders.

No, a past conviction does not affect eligibility. You will need to complete a background check to receive a Fingerprint Clearance Card to work as an apprentice. Our staff will guide you through this process. We encourage you to file an appeal if your initial Fingerprint Clearance request is denied.

Sharing your life experiences is an important part of a family support specialist's role. Personal stories often help build trust and connection with the people you'll serve. That said, your experiences are always your story to tell. You decide what details you share, when, and with whom, and you're never required to disclose more than you're comfortable with. Please note that the application includes an essay reflecting on your personal experiences.

Readiness is a personal decision, and only you can decide when the time is right. Some things to consider are whether you have the time to actively participate in the interactive online classes, whether you’re ready to commit to the training and apprenticeship process, and whether you’re interested in building a career in the behavioral health field. 

Project FUTRE welcomes applications from people living anywhere in Arizona.  

Your classroom training is online through Zoom, so you can participate from anywhere in Arizona. However, the program is not entirely online. The training also includes 16 hours of professional shadowing in-person with a partner organization. We have partner organizations throughout Arizona, including in rural counties. 

Talk with your Project FUTRE instructors or program staff. Project FUTRE has provided laptops and internet access to trainees who need them, along with computer training and technology support.

No. You'll need to participate in class using a computer.

We want to set every student up for success from day one! Because our training is highly interactive, you will be using Zoom to collaborate in breakout rooms, contribute to real-time chat exercises, and present screen-shares to up to 25 classmates. Mobile phones, tablets, and some Chromebooks simply do not have the processing power or screen layout needed to run these tools simultaneously. For this reason, a full laptop or desktop computer is strictly required to attend and complete the class.

If you don't have access to one, work with your instructors and Project FUTRE staff to find out what technology assistance is available to you.

During the first 40 hours of the program, you will have the opportunity to take the Parent and Family Support Specialist certification exam. A passing grade qualifies you as a certified Parent and Family Support Specialist. 
 

During Level 1 Training, you'll complete 16 hours of professional shadowing with a Project FUTRE partner organization.

You'll work directly with the partner organization to coordinate your observation schedule. Project FUTRE staff will help by providing contact information and guidance for reaching out, but you can expect to handle some of the communication yourself. This gives you an opportunity to practice professional communication before entering the workplace.

Your observation hours are generally completed during months 3 through 5 of Level 1 Training.

Level 1 Training requires approximately 5 to 10 hours per week for six months, so it may be possible to participate while you're working. If you are currently employed, we require that you confirm with your supervisor that you are not scheduled to work during class hours. Classes are usually Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9–11 a.m. This might change each year.

You must attend class and complete required coursework to receive stipend payments.

* You cannot be absent more than three days in the first 7 weeks and no more than seven days in total. Three tardies or leaving class early three times is considered one absence.

* You must participate in 144 classroom hours and 16 shadowing hours over 6 months to complete Level 1 Training. This translates into (on average) 28 hours per month or 7 hours per week.

No. You will be required to keep your camera on and be fully engaged at all times during virtual classes. You should plan to treat online class time as dedicated training time rather than trying to work or take care of other tasks at the same time.

Check out this technology help video.

Project FUTRE encourages trainees to follow current vaccination guidance.

Vaccines are important to reduce the spread of communicable diseases to vulnerable populations that you will serve. Some partner employers may have vaccination requirements for on-site observations or apprenticeship placements. Health care employers may also require vaccinations such as hepatitis B, polio, MMR or varicella depending on the setting.
Here are locations to get vaccinated.

The Project FUTRE apprenticeship is a paid, hands-on work experience that follows Level 1 Training and Parent and Family Support Specialist Certification. If you're hired by a Project FUTRE partner organization, you become that organization's employee while continuing to receive training and support through the program.
The apprenticeship lasts approximately 12 months and is designed around 2,000 hours of work experience. The University of Arizona helps manage the registered apprenticeship process while your employer directs your day-to-day work.

No. You can complete Level 1 Training and Parent and Family Support Specialist Certification without participating in the apprenticeship.
However, applicants interested in continuing into an apprenticeship may receive admission priority. The apprenticeship gives you an opportunity to transition to paid, on-the-job behavioral health experience after completing your training.

The apprenticeship is a 12-month, 2,000-hour placement, typically 40 hours per week. Full-time employment is encouraged but not required and work hours may be negotiated with your employer and our Apprenticeship Director, if part-time hours are necessary.

Completing Level 1 Training does not guarantee an apprenticeship placement. Project FUTRE encourages trainees to apply for paid apprenticeship opportunities with partner organizations, but individual employers make their own hiring decisions. You’re welcome to keep in contact with these professional connections to learn and grow as you move onto the next steps in your career. Apprentices can access support from instructors and coordinators, as needed, throughout the apprenticeship period. 

Apprenticeships are full-time, 12-month placements. Partner organizations set your work hours, salary, and benefits.

Your employer determines your salary or hourly wage. A typical behavioral health paraprofessional wage in Southern Arizona is approximately $15.15 to $20 per hour. Your actual pay may vary by employer, position, and location.

Project FUTRE works with several types of organizations across Arizona, including: 

• Community health centers 
• Peer- and family-run organizations 
• Behavioral health care organizations
• Nonprofit organizations
• Youth behavioral health organizations
• Substance use prevention coalitions

As a Parent and Family Support Specialist, you serve as a behavioral health paraprofessional who supports people affected by or helping a family member through mental health or substance use treatment.
Your role can include providing guidance and resources, advocating for families, supporting their well-being and helping them connect with services they need. Your lived family experience gives you a perspective that can complement the clinical and professional expertise of other members of the care team.

In your apprenticeship, you will receive support from your employment supervisor and from Project FUTRE staff. The University of Arizona also manages the registered apprenticeship paperwork, while your employer supervises your day-to-day work.

During training, you'll receive stipend payments from the University of Arizona. Trainees will receive approximately $1,000 monthly for six months from the University of Arizona.
 To receive stipend payments, trainees are expected to attend class and complete required coursework. Those who complete the Level 1 Training and return all borrowed equipment (laptops, MiFi, etc.) will be considered for up to a $500 completion bonus from U of A. All trainees will also receive a scholarship to cover training costs.
Payments can be made by direct deposit or mailed to you as paper checks.
You'll need to submit a W-9 to University of Arizona Financial Services. Because these payments are reported for tax purposes, you'll receive a 1099 form. The program's financial coordinator and Financial Services Office will help you through the process.

Once enrolled, the Project FUTRE financial coordinator will email you with instructions. If you want direct deposit, you'll need a bank account that can accept the payment. Stipends cannot be deposited into Venmo, Cash App or Zelle accounts. If direct deposit isn't an option, a paper check can be mailed to most addresses.

Your first Level 1 Training payment is typically processed after you complete your first or second month and are in good standing under the program's code of conduct.
Because Project FUTRE staff do not control the University of Arizona Financial Services processing schedule, don't count on your first stipend arriving by a specific date when planning for bills or other expenses.
 

During your apprenticeship, you'll receive two $3,500 stipend payments from the University of Arizona:

• $3,500 during the first half of your apprenticeship
• $3,500 during the second half of your apprenticeship

If you complete the full 12-month apprenticeship, you may also qualify for a $500 completion bonus.
$3,500 first stipend + $3,500 second stipend + $500 bonus = $7,500

Stipend payments may qualify as income. That could affect your eligibility for financial assistance, social services or other public benefits.
Because everyone's situation is different, Project FUTRE recommends checking how these payments could affect any benefits you currently receive. 
For free tax assistance, check out this website.

For questions about your University of Arizona financial paperwork, email FNSV-Accounts-Payable@arizona.edu.

If you're hired for an apprenticeship, you'll become an employee of the partner organization. Your employer will pay your wages or salary and handle your employment through its regular payroll and Human Resources processes.
Your employer-paid compensation is separate from the apprenticeship stipend you receive directly from the University of Arizona.

There are two stages of financial support. 1. During Level 1 Training: You can receive up to $6,500 from the University of Arizona. That includes your stipend payments during your six months of training and a potential $500 completion bonus. Your training costs are also covered by a scholarship.  2. During the Apprenticeship: You can receive $7,500 in University of Arizona stipend payments. That's in addition to the wages or salary paid by your employer. The current Project FUTRE website lists a typical Southern Arizona behavioral health paraprofessional wage of $15.15–$20 per hour, although your actual compensation and benefits are set by your employer.