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

Preferred-Family-Healthcare,-Inc.; Macomb (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Employee Assistance Program

Mileage reimbursement

Flexible Spending Accounts

Emergency Medical Leave Program

Wellness Program

Job summary

Preferred Family Health Care seeks a School-Based Support Specialist to provide direct mental health services within a McDonough County school setting. You will collaborate with families and staff to tailor supports, ensure student well‑being, and promote academic success.

The role includes crisis response, documentation, and participation in program evaluation, with a focus on strengths‑based practices and evidence‑based approaches. A strong background in youth mental health is preferred.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of mental health and/or substance use interventions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with student/family engagement in school settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide mental health and support services to students in school.
• Deliver individualized, goal‑oriented services per treatment plans.
• Use evidence and strengths-based approaches to promote recovery and success.
• Manage a student caseload and coordinate care with providers.
• Respond to crises and provide follow‑up support, including outreach.

Skills

Mental health interventions

Communication skills

Crisis response

Case management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Psychology

Bachelor's degree in Social Work

Bachelor's degree unrelated field + 2 years experience

Associate’s degree in Behavioral Health Support

Job description

Job Description:School‑Based Support SpecialistLocation: McDonough County School DistrictDepartment: School-Based Services - IllinoisEmployment Type: Full-TimeShift: Monday – FridayAs our organization grows and our School-Based services expand to meet student needs, we are excited to introduce this new and impactful role!Why This Role MattersAre you passionate about supporting youth and promoting mental wellness in schools? As a School‑Based Support Specialist, you’ll play a critical role in helping students overcome challenges, strengthen emotional resilience, and succeed both academically and personally.This position provides direct, in‑school mental health support, bridging the gap between behavioral health care and the educational environment. You’ll work closely with students, families, and school staff to ensure each student receives individualized, strengths‑based support tailored to their unique needs.What You’ll DoProvide mental health and support services to students within the school settingDeliver individualized, goal‑oriented services aligned with comprehensive treatment plansUse evidence‑based and strengths‑based approaches to promote recovery, resilience, and academic successManage a student caseload and coordinate care with internal and external service providersConduct assessments, contribute to treatment planning, and participate in client staffingsRespond to crises and provide follow‑up support, including outreach after missed appointmentsCollaborate with school personnel, families, and other stakeholdersComplete accurate, timely documentation in compliance with agency, state, and clinical standardsParticipate in staff development, quality improvement, and program evaluation activitiesConduct home visits and outreach during school breaks or as neededPay & BenefitsPay Range: $20.00–$23.00 per hour29 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 moreCompetitive 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 5% employer match (part‑time and full‑time)Company‑paid basic life insuranceEmergency Medical Leave ProgramFlexible Spending Accounts (healthcare & dependent care)Health & Wellness ProgramEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Employee Discount ProgramMileage reimbursement (when applicable)What We’re Looking ForEducation & Experience (One of the Following Required):Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related human services fieldBachelor’s degree in an unrelated field plus two (2) years of related experienceFour‑year combination of higher education and two (2) years of related experienceAssociate’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 servicesTeaching coping, self‑management, and life skillsSupporting individuals with community, family, or school integrationAssisting with the implementation of treatment plan goalsRequired License/Certification:Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving recordCurrent auto insuranceAdditional QualificationsKnowledge of mental health and/or substance use interventions and community resourcesStrong verbal and written communication skillsAbility to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and maintain professional boundariesComfortable building rapport with students, families, and school personnelAdaptable and flexible in a fast‑paced, school‑based environmentReady 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.If you’re looking for a meaningful career where your work truly matters, we encourage you to apply and help us build a healthier, more hopeful future for students and families.Illinois NoticeAs 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.Position Perks & Benefits:Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal lifeEmployee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & moreTop-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportiveCareer mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from withinWelcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happinessBrightli 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.