SEL/Behavioral Health Specialist

Northwest Education Services•Leland, MI

About The Position

This posting is for a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Behavioral Health Specialist—School Social Worker and/or Counselor—who works directly with teachers and K-12 students, with a primary placement in K-5 with additional support provided throughout the district. The role includes direct service of SEL programming, tiered behavior support/planning, restorative practices, crisis response, and RtI team participation.

Requirements

LMSW, SSW (State of Michigan Certified or Approved), LPC, LPS, or valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with NT School Counselor endorsement
Demonstrated successful school experience or exceptional student teaching reviews
Training or willingness to be trained in Restorative Practices
Design and implement cohesive, developmentally-appropriate, SEL and behavioral health student support programming
Build mutually respectful, supportive, collaborative relationships with students and colleagues
Collaborate with teachers, administrators, aides, and district partners with empathy and student-centered decision making
Reflect honestly and thoughtfully on practice, planning, and impact
Demonstrate strong organization, follow-through, attention to detail, and independence
Communicate professionally with staff, students, families, and community partners
Interact effectively with diverse individuals and audiences and help build community
Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards of practice

Nice To Haves

Experience with IB Approaches to Learning, CASEL SEL frameworks (i.e. TRAILS, Wayfinder, Everyday Speech, Be Good People), trauma-informed practices, healing centered engagement, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)

Responsibilities

Lead, implement, and monitor SEL programming aligned with CASEL competencies and IB Approaches to Learning, including teacher collaboration, push-in lessons, and tiered-response SEL initiatives.
Conduct universal SEL screenings and use data to inform instruction, interventions, and collaboration with staff.
Serve as 504 Coordinator for Grades K–5, ensuring compliant meetings, documentation, monitoring, and communication.
Design, implement, and monitor Tier II behavior plans for K–12 students and provide small-group SEL instruction in emotional regulation, social skills, conflict resolution, and executive functioning.
Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and support staff to implement behavior interventions with fidelity and build capacity for proactive, positive supports.
Conduct functional behavior observations, progress monitoring, and data-informed adjustments to intervention plans.
Serve on the Counseling Team, MTSS/RtI structures, and Crisis Response Team, contributing to prevention, intervention, and schoolwide decision-making.
Provide short-term counseling and support students in crisis using trauma-informed, healing-centered, and evidence-based strategies; coordinate re-entry plans for returning students.
Lead restorative practices including circles, mediations, conflict repair, recess relationship support, and staff coaching in restorative and community-building strategies.
Communicate regularly with families to foster collaborative problem-solving and shared support for student well-being.
Participate in professional development
Support school mission/values and extracurricular opportunities that strengthen student leadership and school climate.
Other duties as assigned.