Job Description:
School‑Based Support SpecialistLocation: McDonough County School District
Department: School-Based Services - Illinois
Employment Type: Full-Time
Shift: Monday – Friday
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.
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 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)
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
- 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
Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record
Current auto insurance
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
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.
Skills 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
- Experience providing individual or group rehabilitation or recovery services; teaching coping, self-management, and life skills
- Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record
- Current auto insurance
- 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
- Ability to build rapport with students, families, and school personnel
- Ability to complete accurate, timely documentation in compliance with agency, state, and clinical standards
- Willingness to conduct home visits and outreach as needed
What We Do
Brightli, Inc. is a non-profit behavioral health and addiction treatment provider that operates as a parent company for several organizations, including Burrell Behavioral Health. Its mission is to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, and increase access to mental health and substance use care in the communities it serves across the Midwest.
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