School-Based Mental Health Specialist — High School & Prevention

Strides Therapy and Educational Services; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 96,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Benefits

401k with match

PTO/Sick Time

Licensure Reimbursement

National Certification Stipend

CEU Platform Reimbursement

Group professional liability insurance

Educational Services Manager support

Cancer insurance

Pet insurance

Life insurance

Catastrophe medical

Job summary

Strides Therapy & Educational Services is seeking two in-person school-based mental health professionals for a grant-funded program with Aurora Public Schools in Aurora, CO. The role focuses on substance use prevention for 9th-grade students, on a 187-day calendar, beginning 2026-27, with possible extension up to 3 years.

The position requires travel between multiple high schools and a 7.5-hour day. Compensation includes benefits and a comprehensive package; contact Dana Morgan for details.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in School Social Work, School Psychology, or School Counseling.
• Active Colorado license (CDE or DORA) in School Social Work, School Psychology, or School Counseling, or a CDE-issued temporary emergency license.
• CDE Special Services Provider License in School Social Work preferred.
• 3 years of experience in school-based prevention, behavioral health, or student support services.
• Experience with MTSS, PBIS, restorative practices, or substance use prevention preferred.

Responsibilities

• Tier 1 prevention: work with 9th-grade teams and advisory on SEL, protective factors, belonging, and attendance.
• Deliver and progress-monitor evidence-based interventions, including Motivational Interviewing, Teen Intervene, InDepth, and small skill-building groups.
• Coordinate alternatives to suspension for substance-related incidents.
• Strengthen MTSS referral pathways, intervention protocols, and data-informed decision-making.
• Coach and provide professional learning to administrators, counselors, social workers, psychologists, and teachers.
• Connect students and families to community-based providers and resources.

Education

Master's degree or higher in School Social Work, School Psychology, or School Counseling

Active Colorado license (CDE or DORA) in School Social Work, School Psychology, or School Counseling, or a CDE-issued temporary emergency license

CDE Special Services Provider License in School Social Work preferred

3 years of experience in school-based prevention, behavioral health, or student support services

Experience with MTSS, PBIS, restorative practices, or substance use prevention

Job description

Strides Therapy & Educational Services is seeking two in-person school-based mental health professionals for a grant-funded program with Aurora Public Schools in Aurora, CO. The role focuses on substance use prevention for 9th-grade students, on a 187-day calendar, beginning 2026-27, with possible extension up to 3 years.

The position requires travel between multiple high schools and a 7.5-hour day. Compensation includes benefits and a comprehensive package; contact Dana Morgan for details.