Associate Director of Scholar Supports

Rainier Scholars•Tacoma, WA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

Rainier Scholars is a comprehensive academic enrichment program supporting students of color from 5th grade through college graduation. The organization serves scholars and families in Seattle and Tacoma through rigorous academics, leadership development, and personalized support. The Associate Director of Scholar Supports brings clinical expertise and care to scholars in grades 5 through 8. The role provides direct mental health support and proactive wellness programming, leads case consultation and support planning, supervises and develops Academic Coaches and Student Advisors, and contributes to Tacoma scholar wellness and summer programming. The Associate Director reports to the Director of 5th through 8th Grade Programs and works closely with program leadership, the Associate Director of School Programs, Academic Coaches, and the recruitment team. The position balances clinical practice, case consultation, staff supervision, and program support. It is a full-time, exempt, grant-funded role for an initial three-year term, with a possible extension contingent on securing additional funding. It is a flexible hybrid role based out of the Tacoma office, with 2–3 days per week in person. Some evening and weekend work is required, including extended Summer Stretch Academy hours; the schedule may change based on program needs.

Requirements

Master’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related mental health field.
Clinical license or license eligibility in Washington state, such as LSWAIC, LMHCA, or equivalent.
At least 3 years of experience working with early adolescents in a clinical or community-based mental health setting.
Experience facilitating group counseling or workshops for youth.
Demonstrated experience providing individualized mental health support to youth, including crisis response.
Understanding of how trauma, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges intersect with academic performance.
Experience supervising staff and providing performance feedback.
Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Adobe; Google Docs; and databases, with familiarity analyzing data.

Nice To Haves

Full independent clinical licensure, such as LICSW or LMHC.
Bilingual proficiency in Spanish.
Experience with school-based or community-based youth wellness programming.
Experience teaching or facilitating curriculum focused on racial identity development, social-emotional learning, or resilience for early adolescents.
Knowledge of community-based mental health and social service resources in the greater Tacoma area.
Experience working with students from first-generation, low-income, or underrepresented backgrounds.
Fiscal management experience, including creating, overseeing, and managing budgets.
Experience with data collection and analysis in a clinical or program context.

Responsibilities

Provide direct clinical and mental health support, proactive counseling, and wellness initiatives, including group counseling and affinity clubs.
Consult on and facilitate monthly 7th grade workshops focused on healthy relationships and boundary-setting.
Lead mental health screenings for prospective students during recruitment season.
Connect scholars and families with community-based service providers as needed.
Join select weekly classes to provide additional scholar support.
Partner with the Director of 5th through 8th Grade Programs, Associate Director of School Programs, and Academic Coaches to address scholars’ social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
Shape Scholar Success Plans with program leaders, including mental health and social-emotional interventions.
Lead data collection and analysis to strengthen mental health referrals.
Build and sustain relationships with school counselors and key middle school personnel.
Lead hiring, onboarding, supervision, and development of two Academic Coaches, including goal setting, regular one-on-ones, ongoing feedback, and annual performance reviews.
Lead hiring, onboarding, supervision, and coaching of Student Advisors for 5th and 6th grade summer programming, including orientation and training.
Train staff to recognize and respond to scholars’ mental health and social-emotional needs, including referral processes, complex situations, and escalation decisions.
Foster a supportive, collaborative team culture.
Support 5th and 6th grade summer programming.
Own Conclave curriculum development, updates, and delivery, and prepare teachers to deliver it confidently.
Oversee monthly scholar socials and affinity groups that build community.
Contribute to the Tacoma leadership team.
Perform other duties within the scope of scholar mental health support and program operations.