School-Based Behavioral Support Specialist

ICES: Data, Discovery, Better Health; Bellevue (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Youth Eastside Services (YES) seeks a Behavioral Health Support Specialist to deliver school-based behavioral health services within MTSS for elementary to high school students. You'll collaborate with Lake Washington, Issaquah, and Bellevue school districts to provide prevention, assessment, crisis response, counseling, and family engagement.

The role emphasizes trauma‑informed care, DEIB, and Zero Suicide, with supervision and professional development opportunities; travel between sites may be

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, MFT, or related behavioral health field.
• Washington State Associate or Independent License (LICSW/LICSWA, LMHC/LMHCA, LMFT/LMFTA) or eligible for SUDP/T certification.
• Experience working with youth, families, and school systems.
• Ability to pass required background checks.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual, family, and group counseling services for students.
• Conduct mental health and substance use screenings and assessments.
• Develop treatment plans and intervention strategies with MTSS alignment.
• Support students with behavioral, emotional, or substance use concerns.
• Conduct suicide risk assessments and safety planning as needed.
• Coordinate with school staff, caregivers, and emergency resources.
• Participate in student support teams and care coordination meetings.
• Deliver prevention and parent education within schools.

Skills

Trauma-informed practice

Cultural humility

Crisis assessment

Communication

Collaboration

Time management

Independent decision-making

Adaptability

Equity and belonging

Education

Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or related behavioral health

Job description

Why Join YES?

At Youth Eastside Services (YES), you will join a mission-driven organization that has served youth and families for more than 55 years. Our integrated approach combines school-based, agency-based, and community-based services to ensure young people receive comprehensive support where they live, learn, and grow. We are committed to innovation, equity, belonging, and excellence in behavioral health care.

YES values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, supported, and empowered. We encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, identities, languages, and lived experiences.

School-Based Behavioral Health Support Specialists play a critical role in increasing access to behavioral health services, reducing barriers to care, strengthening school partnerships, and improving outcomes for youth and families.

Summary:

The Behavioral Health Support Specialist (BHSS) offers school-based behavioral health services within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework for elementary, middle, and high school students. This role involves collaboration with three school districts: Lake Washington, Issaquah, and Bellevue. The BHSS provides a range of services, including prevention and early intervention, assessment, crisis response, consultation, and counseling. By working closely with students, families, educators, and community partners, the BHSS aims to promote mental wellness, resilience, and academic success.

Primary Responsibilities

Direct Student Services

• Provide individual, family, and group counseling services.
• Conduct mental health and substance use screenings and assessments.
• Develop treatment plans and intervention strategies.
• Support students experiencing behavioral, emotional, or substance use concerns.

Crisis Intervention

• Conduct suicide risk assessments and safety planning.
• Provide crisis intervention and stabilization support.
• Coordinate with school staff, caregivers, and emergency resources as needed.

School Collaboration

• Participate in student support teams and care coordination meetings.
• Consult with educators, administrators, and school personnel.
• Assist in developing supportive school-wide behavioral health practices.

Prevention and Education

• Deliver classroom presentations and prevention programming.
• Provide parent education and community outreach.
• Promote mental health awareness and wellness initiatives.

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation.
• Complete required assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes.
• Ensure compliance with agency, school district, Medicaid, and licensing requirements.

Performance Expectations

• Maintain productivity and service delivery expectations established by YES.
• Complete documentation within agency-required timelines.
• Demonstrate effective collaboration with school partners.
• Participate in supervision, training, and professional development activities.
• Support agency initiatives related to Trauma-Informed Care, DEIB, and Zero Suicide.

Core Competencies

• Trauma-informed practice
• Cultural humility and responsiveness
• Strong crisis assessment and intervention skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Relationship‑building and collaboration
• Organization and time management
• Independent decision‑making
• Adaptability and problem‑solving
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or related behavioral health field.
• Washington State Associate or Independent License:
• LICSW/LICSWA
• LMHC/LMHCA
• LMFT/LMFTA
• Eligible to obtain or actively pursuing SUDP/T certification.
• Experience working with youth, families, and school systems.
• Ability to pass required background checks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fully licensed behavioral health professional.
• Dual licensure (mental health and substance use disorder).
• Experience in school-based behavioral health.
• Bilingual and/or bicultural candidates reflective of East King County communities.
• Experience providing services within an MTSS framework.

Professional Development and Support

YES invests in employee growth through:

• Individual and group clinical supervision
• Licensure supervision hours
• Evidence-based practice training
• Financial support toward SUDP certification
• Continuing education opportunities
• Consultation with multidisciplinary teams
• Career advancement pathways

Work Environment

• School-based setting within Lake Washington School District.
• Primarily Monday‑Friday during school hours.
• Occasional evening presentations, trainings, or family events.
• Combination of independent work and team collaboration.
• Travel between school sites may be required.

Classification/Salary Range

Therapist I (Associate Licensed w MHP/CMHS) $65,125 - $71,802

Therapist II (Independent Licensed w MHP/CMHS) $72,238 - $79,664

Therapist III (Dual Licensure) $83,616 - $92,186

Placement within the salary range is based on education, licensure status, relevant experience, and internal equity considerations.

To Apply

Send a cover letter and resume to [e-mail]

YES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to having a diverse staff team. LGBTQ+ and people of color are encouraged to apply.