Day Treatment Instructional Assistant

Kitsap Mental Health Services; Bremerton (WA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental & Vision

PTO and holidays

Fully Paid YMCA Membership

Life & Disability Insurance

Student Loan Assistance

403(b) Retirement Plan

EAP

Pet Insurance

Wellness App

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

Kitsap Mental Health Services offers an Instructional Assistant role in a therapeutic day treatment program in Bremerton, WA. This full-time, onsite position supports students in a structured learning environment, addressing emotional, behavioral, and educational needs throughout the school day.

Minimum qualifications include a High School Diploma or GED; entry-level experience with children is preferred. A Bachelor's degree in psychology or related field is preferred.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED
• Experience: Entry level (1 year) working with children
• Licensure: FBI fingerprinting required for contractors' employees with school districts
• Licensure: WA Food Worker Card valid
• CPR certification current or ability to obtain within 30 days

Responsibilities

• Assist staff in maintaining a structured, positive, therapeutic learning environment.
• Support students' emotional, developmental, educational, and behavioral needs throughout the day.
• Provide direct observation and supervision of students in the program milieu.
• Deliver one-on-one interventions to encourage participation and compliance.
• Help students identify barriers to success and develop strategies to manage challenges.
• Assist students in resolving conflicts and improving behavior.

Skills

Communication

Teaching assistance

Teamwork

Crisis intervention

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree in psychology, social services, or behavioral health field

Job description

Instructional Assistant – Madrona Day Treatment Program

Full-time, Onsite

Hiring Range: $22.90 - $28.05 per hour

Benefits at a Glance

• Comprehensive Coverage: Health, Dental & Vision


• Generous PTO: Up to 19 days + 2 mental health days + 10 holidays (pro-rated for part-time)


• Fully Paid YMCA Membership for you and eligible family members


• Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance


• Student Loan Assistance & Professional Development


• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Company Contributions


• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)


• Pet Insurance


• Free Wellness App (2MorrowHealth)


• Collaborative, Supportive Team Environment

Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) is seeking an Instructional Assistant to support students receiving educational and behavioral health services in a therapeutic school setting. This position helps students build the skills needed to be successful in the classroom while supporting emotional and behavioral development. The role contributes to a structured environment where students can learn, participate, and make progress toward individual goals. If you're committed to helping students develop skills that support success in school and daily life, we welcome your application.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist program staff in maintaining a structured, positive, and therapeutic learning environment.


• Support students' emotional, developmental, educational, and behavioral needs throughout the school day.


• Provide direct observation and supervision of students within the program milieu.


• Deliver one‑on‑one interventions that encourage participation, engagement, and compliance with program expectations.


• Help students identify barriers to success and develop strategies for managing challenges.


• Assist students in resolving conflicts, expressing themselves appropriately, and improving behavior.


• Provide therapeutic crisis intervention and de‑escalation support when needed.


• Implement behavioral programs, treatment interventions, and individualized support plans.


• Contribute observations and feedback for student summaries, behavior tracking, and level systems.


• Complete documentation and paperwork accurately and within required timelines.


• Support other school programs, activities, and campus needs as assigned.


• Participate in field trips and other program events as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED

EXPERIENCE: Entry level (1 year of prior experience working with children)

LICENSURE:

• Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration


• Per the RCW 28A.400.303, employees of contractors with school districts that have regularly scheduled unsupervised access to children are required to complete FBI fingerprinting.


• Valid Washington Food Worker Card.


• Current CPR certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire; training provided by the organization).

Preferred Qualifications

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in psychology, social services, or behavioral health field

EXPERIENCE:

• Experienced (minimum 2 years of job-related experience)


• Relevant experience working with clients with severe and persistent mental illness.


• Experience working with Special Education population.


• Experience with milieu treatment along with educational or classroom management.


• The capacity to work well with children and families.

LICENSURE / CERTIFICATIONS:

• Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

Performance Requirements

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge and understanding of educational systems, child development,


• Knowledge of or ability to learn ABA therapy.

SKILLS:

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, clients, organizations, and the public.


• Providing teaching assistance.


• Communicates clearly and concisely.


• Ability to operate a personal computer, fax machine, printer, and copier proficiently.

ABILITIES:

• Remain calm in high‑stress situations.


• Work cooperatively and collaboratively as a team member.

Worksite‑Specific Requirements: check applicable worksite(s)

WORKSITE #1: Almira Main Campus

REQUIREMENT: No additional requirements for this worksite location.

WORKSITE #2: Loxie Eagan Campus

REQUIREMENT: No additional requirements for this worksite location.

WORKSITE #3: Almira and Loxie Eagan Campuses (Float)

REQUIREMENT: Must meet all agency driving requirements, including being at least 21 years old, having been licensed for a minimum of three years, successfully completing a motor vehicle history check, possessing and maintaining a current, valid driver’s license in the state of Washington, and having reliable, insured transportation.

Equipment Operated: Standard office equipment, including computers, fax machines, copiers, printers, telephones, etc.

Work Environment: Classroom, office.

Mental/Physical Requirements: While performing the essential functions of the job, the employee is required to:

• Sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.


• Ascend and descend stairs and navigate indoor and outdoor environments safely.


• Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds (occasionally).


• Assist with client movement and transfers, with or without assistance, in accordance with training and safety protocols.


• Safely participate in crisis intervention, including implementation of approved de‑escalation techniques and physical restraints in accordance with agency training and policy.


• Move quickly and respond to emergencies, including rapid repositioning or short‑distance movement to maintain safety.


• Use hands and arms for reaching, handling, and manipulation, including reaching above shoulder level.


• Have visual acuity sufficient to read written materials and observe surroundings; peripheral vision sufficient to monitor clients and the environment.


• Have hearing sufficient to communicate effectively and detect environmental and behavioral cues.


• Meet and maintain physical requirements demonstrated through agency‑mandated training, including demonstration of ability to: maintain balance, twist torso, forward bend, pivot, sidestep, forward and backward step, crouch, move to secure limb, knee touch to ground, kneel, get up from floor sitting or kneeling position.

Our recruitment processes are designed to prevent discrimination against our people regardless of gender identity or orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, citizenship, or any aspect which makes someone unique.