School-Based Support Specialist (McDonough County / Macomb, IL)

PFH Preferred Family Healthcare; Illinois; On-site; USD 27,552 - 31,684; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 29 days

HRSA Loan Repayment eligibility

Medical, dental, vision benefits

403(b) retirement plan with employer‑匹

Life insurance

EAP

Flexible Spending Accounts

Mileage reimbursement

Job summary

PFH Preferred Family Healthcare is seeking a School‑Based Support Specialist to deliver mental health and support services to students in the McDonough County School District. You will manage a student caseload, coordinate with school staff and external providers, and contribute to treatment planning and crisis response.

The role emphasizes evidence-based, strengths-based approaches, documentation, and collaboration with families to promote recovery, resilience, and academic success within a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related human services field is required.
• Two years of related experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree in some cases.
• Four-year combination of higher education and two years of related experience is acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Provide mental health and support services to students within the school setting.
• Deliver individualized, goal-oriented services aligned with comprehensive treatment plans.
• Use evidence-based and strengths-based approaches to promote recovery, resilience, and academic success.
• Manage a student caseload and coordinate care with internal and external service providers.
• Conduct assessments, contribute to treatment planning, and participate in client staffings.
• Respond to crises and provide follow-up support, including outreach after missed appointments.
• Collaborate with school personnel, families, and other stakeholders.
• Complete accurate, timely documentation in compliance with agency, state, and clinical standards.
• Participate in staff development, quality improvement, and program evaluation activities.
• Conduct home visits and outreach during school breaks or as needed.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Independent work

Multitasking

Rapport with students/families

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field

Bachelor’s degree plus 2 years related experience

Four-year degree + 2 years related experience

Associate’s degree in Behavioral Health Support

Job description

School‑Based Support Specialist

Location: McDonough County School District

Department: School‑Based Services - Illinois

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Shift: Monday – Friday

Why This Role Matters

As our organization grows and our School‑Based services expand to meet student needs, we are excited to introduce this new and impactful role!

What You’ll Do

• Provide mental health and support services to students within the school setting
• Deliver individualized, goal‑oriented services aligned with comprehensive treatment plans
• Use evidence‑based and strengths‑based approaches to promote recovery, resilience, and academic success
• Manage a student caseload and coordinate care with internal and external service providers
• Conduct assessments, contribute to treatment planning, and participate in client staffings
• Respond to crises and provide follow‑up support, including outreach after missed appointments
• Collaborate with school personnel, families, and other stakeholders
• Complete accurate, timely documentation in compliance with agency, state, and clinical standards
• Participate in staff development, quality improvement, and program evaluation activities
• Conduct home visits and outreach during school breaks or as needed

Pay & Benefits

• Pay Range: $20.00–$23.00 per hour
• 29 days of paid time off (PTO)
• Eligibility for HRSA Loan Repayment (based on program requirements)
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and more
• Competitive 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 5% employer match (part‑time and full‑time)
• Company‑paid basic life insurance
• Emergency Medical Leave Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (healthcare & dependent care)
• Health & Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Discount Program
• Mileage reimbursement (when applicable)

What We’re Looking For

Education & Experience (One of the Following Required):

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related human services field
• Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field plus two (2) years of related experience
• Four‑year combination of higher education and two (2) years of related experience
• Associate’s degree in Behavioral Health Support *Four (4) years of qualifying experience in mental health, substance use, or developmental disability services
• Qualifying Experience May Include: Providing individual or group rehabilitation or recovery services Teaching coping, self‑management, and life skills Supporting individuals with community, family, or school integration Assisting with the implementation of treatment plan goals

Required License/Certification:

Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record

Current auto insurance

Additional Qualifications

• Knowledge of mental health and/or substance use interventions and community resources
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and maintain professional boundaries
• Comfortable building rapport with students, families, and school personnel
• Adaptable and flexible in a fast‑paced, school‑based environment

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join a team of mission‑driven professionals dedicated to empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and transforming lives through compassionate behavioral health care.

Illinois Notice

As part of our talent review process, we may utilize technology that helps organize applicant information. This includes AI‑assisted tools that support our team by reviewing and sorting resumes in relation to the experience and qualifications connected to each role. These tools assist our recruiters, but all hiring decisions continue to involve human review and judgment.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.

Preferred Family Health Care is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.

Position Perks & Benefits

• Paid time off: full‑time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal life
• Employee benefits package: full‑time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more
• Top‑notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive
• Career mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from within
• Welcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well‑being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happiness

Brightli Snapshot

Brightli is on a mission: A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance user care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients. As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we prioritize fostering a culture of belonging and connection within our workforce. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission. If you are passionate about empowering local communities and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we invite you to join our mission‑driven organization dedicated to cultivating an authentic workplace. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Preferred Family Health Care is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.

• 200 locations
• 4 states
• 19 subsidiaries and/or affiliates
• 5k+ employees

About Brightli

Brightli is on a mission: A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance use care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients. We are doing this by forming a new behavioral health organization under new model. Under one parent company, multiple organizations are able to collaborate, share resources and system supports, increase recruiting and retention efforts, increase access to specialized care, and meet the growing demand for behavioral and addiction recovery care. Brightli’s top‑line subsidiaries include Burrell Behavioral Health (Burrell), Preferred Family Healthcare (PFH), Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health (SEMO), Firefly, Adult and Child Health, and Places for People. While these organizations operate independently and are governed by separate board of directors, their operations and services benefit from this model. Alone, organizations may be able to navigate the current tumultuous healthcare environment, but we believe that together we can do so much more than survive. Our communities need us now more than ever, and by working together we are ready to answer their call for years to come.