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School Based Support Specialist (McDonough County)

Job Description:

School‑Based Support Specialist

Location: McDonough County School District
Department: School-Based Services - Illinois
Employment Type: Full-Time
Shift: Monday – Friday

As 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 Matters

Are 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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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