Mental Health Partnership Specialist

Communities In Schools (CIS) of Chicago; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Retirement plan

Generous PTO

Job summary

Communities In Schools (CIS) of Chicago is hiring a Behavioral and Mental Health Partnership Specialist to enhance student wellness through community partnerships. This full-time, hybrid role involves collaboration with school staff and community providers, ensuring effective mental health and educational programmes. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and relevant experience. The position offers a salary of $50,000 and a robust benefits package, emphasizing commitment to diversity and student support.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant experience in schools, non-profits, or youth development.
• Strong knowledge of mental-health and trauma-informed practices.
• Familiarity with CPS systems or willingness to learn quickly.

Responsibilities

• Build strong partnerships with community-based providers.
• Connect programmes to schools aligning with CIS’s mission.
• Evaluate and strengthen programme offerings based on feedback.

Skills

Community partnership engagement

Youth mental health advocacy

Data analysis

Thoughtful communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Behavioral and Mental Health Partnership Specialist

Be the Bridge Students Need

At Communities In Schools (CIS) of Chicago, we believe students can’t enhance their learning until their needs are met, including mental and emotional health. Every day, we partner with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and hundreds of community organisations to bring no‑cost, high‑quality programs directly to schools. These programmes help students stay focused, engaged, and on track to graduate.

During the 2025‑26 school year, we will serve over 80,000 students across 250 schools, connecting them to life‑changing support—from arts and academic enrichment to health and mental‑wellness services. We need your help to make it happen.

What You'll Do

• Build strong partnerships with 75+ community‑based providers in areas such as social‑emotional learning, mental‑health education, counseling, anti‑bullying, and trauma‑informed care.
• Connect programmes to schools, ensuring they meet each school’s unique needs and align with CIS’s mission and values.
• Collaborate with school staff (Student Supports Managers and School Partnership Specialists) to provide the right programmes to the right students at the right time.
• Stay informed on CPS priorities such as the Healing‑Centered Framework and promote programmes that reflect inclusive, culturally affirming practices.
• Evaluate, adapt, and strengthen programme offerings by collecting feedback, analysing data, and ensuring partnerships remain meaningful and effective.
• Plan trainings and networking events that help our community partners grow, share best practices, and stay inspired.

You’re a Great Fit If You Are…

• A connector who believes in the power of community partnerships.
• Passionate about youth mental health and school wellness.
• A clear, thoughtful communicator—whether face‑to‑face, over email, or via Zoom.
• Organised, proactive, and always thinking two steps ahead.
• Comfortable with data and details, yet able to see the bigger picture.
• Motivated by mission, equity, and helping students thrive.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 3+ years of relevant experience—ideally in schools, non‑profits, or youth development.
• Strong knowledge of mental‑health, trauma‑informed practices, and culturally responsive programming.
• Familiarity with CPS systems (or a willingness to learn fast).
• Reliable daily access to a vehicle, a valid driver’s licence, and the ability to work in schools.
• Access to a remote workspace with internet connectivity.

The Details

• Location: Hybrid – West Loop office 2 days/week + school and partner visits across Chicago.
• Schedule: Full‑time, year‑round role following CIS’s calendar (not CPS’s).
• Salary: $50,000.
• Benefits: Robust package including healthcare, retirement, and generous PTO.

All final candidates are required to go through the Chicago Public School Background Check Process.

Communities In Schools of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, disability, medical condition, marital or family status, veteran or military status, citizenship, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

This commitment applies to every aspect of employment at CIS of Chicago—including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, and all other conditions of employment. We believe that building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve strengthens our mission to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.