School-Based Support Specialist (Marion County)

Job Description:

Job Summary:

The School Based Support Specialist delivers intensive outpatient case management to youth in a school setting, supporting their success in school, home, and community. This 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 provided in homes and the community as needed.  

Essential Job Functions:

• 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.

• Participate in care coordination with schools, community partners, families, and other service providers.

• Manage an assigned caseload, ensure documentation is timely, and services are effective and person-centered.

• 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.

• Actively participate in staff development, supervision, and professional evaluation activities.

• Adapting to evolving student needs and supporting program goals with flexibility and collaboration.

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of case management, rehabilitation methods, and treatment planning in mental health and/or substance use.

• Understanding of challenges faced by individuals with behavioral health conditions and knowledge of 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 communication skills, including written documentation and verbal de-escalation.

• Skilled in prioritizing tasks, managing time, and coordinating services across agencies.

• Proficiency with electronic health records and common office software.

• Initiative-taking with a commitment to high-quality, client-centered care.

• Ability to respond appropriately in crisis situations and maintain professional boundaries.

• Capacity to work independently while remaining accountable to supervision and agency standards.

Experience and Education Qualifications:

• Must meet one of the following:

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, behavioral health, or related human services field, OR

• Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field with two years of related behavioral health experience; OR

• Any four-year combination of higher education and two years of qualifying experience; OR

• 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 with a focus on recovery/resiliency; teaching coping skills; supporting school, community, or employment functioning; and implementing treatment plan objectives.

Illinois-Specific Requirements

• For positions based in or serving clients in Illinois, additional qualifications per IL Administrative Code apply.

• Team members must meet the definition of a Behavioral Health Professional which include:

  • A Certified Alcohol and other Drug Counselor (CADC)

  • Mental Health Professional (MHP), including one or more of the following:

    • Bachelor’s degree in a qualifying human services field (e.g., counseling, social work, psychology, education); OR

    • Bachelor’s degree in any field with two years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting; OR

    • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) under the Illinois Nurse Practice Act; OR

    • Certificate in psychiatric rehabilitation with 2 years’ mental health experience and a high school diploma/GED; OR

    • Certified Recovery Support Specialist or Family Partnership Professional (IAODAPCA); OR

    • Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant with one year of behavioral health experience; OR

    • High school diploma or GED with five years of supervised clinical experience in behavioral health and demonstrated relevant training.