School-Based Support Specialist

Brightli • Franklin, IN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The School-Based Support Specialist delivers intensive outpatient case management to youth in school settings, supporting success at school, at home, and in the community. The role provides direct, individualized interventions aligned with treatment plans, coordinates care with internal and external providers, and promotes recovery, resilience, and academic achievement. Services are primarily delivered on school premises during school hours, with additional support in homes and the community as needed.

The position requires knowledge of case management, rehabilitation methods, and treatment planning in mental health and/or substance use, as well as an understanding of behavioral health challenges, community-based supports, and relevant ethical, legal, and procedural standards. The specialist builds relationships with youth, families, schools, and providers; communicates effectively, including through written documentation and verbal de-escalation; manages time and coordinates services; uses electronic health records and common office software; responds appropriately to crises; maintains professional boundaries; and works independently while remaining accountable to supervision and agency standards.

Candidates must meet one of the listed education and experience pathways: a qualifying bachelor's degree; an unrelated bachelor's degree plus two years of related behavioral health experience; a four-year combination of higher education and two years of qualifying experience; an associate's degree in applied science in behavioral health support; or four years of full-time qualifying experience. Qualifying experience involves providing individual or group services focused on recovery or resiliency, teaching coping skills, supporting school, community, or employment functioning, and implementing treatment-plan objectives. Additional qualifications apply to positions based in or serving clients in Illinois, including Behavioral Health Professional qualifications, applicable IDHS DMH training, ASAM assessment requirements when providing substance use services, and Illinois documentation and utilization review procedures.

Employment requirements include successful completion of background checks, completion of new-hire orientation and required training, and a current driver's license, acceptable driving record, and current auto insurance. The role involves sedentary work, occasional lifting or moving of up to 10 pounds, repetitive hand and arm movements for typing or writing, and mostly sitting with occasional walking or standing.

Requirements

• Meet at least one of the specified education and experience pathways: a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, behavioral health, or a related human services field; an unrelated bachelor's degree plus two years of related behavioral health experience; a four-year combination of higher education and two years of qualifying experience; an associate's degree in applied science in behavioral health support; or four years of full-time qualifying experience in the field.
• Qualifying experience includes providing one-on-one or group services focused on recovery or resiliency, teaching coping skills, supporting school, community, or employment functioning, and implementing treatment-plan objectives.
• Knowledge of case management, rehabilitation methods, and treatment planning in mental health and/or substance use.
• Understanding of behavioral health challenges and community-based support.
• Familiarity with ethical, legal, and procedural standards in behavioral health.
• Ability to build effective relationships with youth, families, schools, and providers.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including documentation and verbal de-escalation.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time, and coordinate services across agencies.
• Proficiency with electronic health records and common office software.
• Ability to respond appropriately in crisis situations and maintain professional boundaries.
• Ability to work independently while remaining accountable to supervision and agency standards.
• Successful completion of background checks, including criminal record, driving record, abuse/neglect, and fingerprint checks.
• Completion of New Hire Orientation at the beginning of employment and all required training, including Relias, at the beginning of employment and annually thereafter.
• Current driver's license, acceptable driving record, and current auto insurance.
• For Illinois positions or service to Illinois clients, meet the applicable Behavioral Health Professional qualifications under Illinois Administrative Code, including one of the listed credentials, education, or supervised clinical experience pathways.
• For applicable Illinois roles, complete IDHS Division of Mental Health training standards, comply with ASAM assessment requirements when delivering substance use services, and follow applicable documentation and utilization review procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide behavioral health interventions aligned with individualized treatment goals in school-based settings.
• Support students' development of coping strategies, social-emotional functioning, and daily life skills.
• Coordinate care with schools, community partners, families, and other service providers.
• Manage an assigned caseload and ensure timely documentation and effective, person-centered services.
• Provide crisis intervention and follow-up, including outreach for missed appointments.
• Conduct home visits and outreach as needed to support youth and family engagement.
• Assist with quality assurance activities, data collection, and compliance with agency protocols and contractual requirements.
• Participate in staff development, supervision, and professional evaluation activities.
• Adapt to evolving student needs and support program goals through flexibility and collaboration.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Paid time off package for full-time employees.
• Health, dental, vision, retirement, life, and other benefits for full-time employees.
• Initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive training.
• Advancement opportunities and promotion from within.
• A welcoming, warm, and supportive workplace culture that promotes well-being and health.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level