School Based Support Specialist

Centerstone is among the nation’s leading nonprofit behavioral health systems with thousands of employees dedicated to delivering care that changes people’s lives. A dynamic, well-established organization, we offer rewarding opportunities to serve all ages in a variety of settings. Come talk to us about joining the Centerstone team!


JOB DESCRIPTION:

Job Summary:
Are you passionate about supporting youth and promoting mental wellness in schools? Join us as a School-Based Support Specialist in Alton, IL! This vital role helps students succeed by providing in-school mental health support, empowering them to thrive both academically and emotionally.

As a School-Based Support Specialist, you will deliver individualized services based on comprehensive treatment plans, helping students develop the skills they need to manage challenges, access resources, and build resilience. You’ll play an essential role in connecting mental health care with the educational experience.

Position Perks & Benefits:

  • 29 Days of PTO
  • Pay $20.00 - $23.00
  • Eligibility for HRSA Loan Repayment *eligibility requirements
  • Employee benefits package - health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more**
  • Competitive 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan – up to 5% match for Part-Time and Full-Time employees
  • Company-paid basic life insurance
  • Emergency Medical Leave Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts – healthcare and dependent child-care
  • Health & Wellness Program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Mileage Reimbursement (When applicable)

Key Responsibilities:

  • Deliver mental health services to students on school premises
  • Support treatment goals using evidence-based strategies and a strengths-based approach
  • Help students build skills that promote recovery, resilience, and academic success
  • Manage a student caseload and provide care coordination with other service providers
  • Conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and participate in client staffings
  • Provide crisis response and follow-up support, including outreach for missed appointments
  • Collaborate with school personnel, families, and other stakeholders
  • Maintain accurate documentation in compliance with agency, state, and clinical guidelines
  • Participate in staff development, quality improvement, and program evaluation
  • Conduct home visits and outreach during school breaks or as needed

Education and/or Experience Qualifications:
One of the following is required:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related human services field
  • Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field and two years of related experience
  • Four-year combination of higher education and two years of related experience
  • Associate’s degree in Behavioral Health Support
  • Four years of qualifying experience in mental health, substance use, or developmental disability services*

*Qualifying experience may include:

  • Providing individual or group rehabilitation/recovery services
  • Teaching coping and self-management skills
  • Supporting clients in community, family, or school integration
  • Assisting in the execution of treatment plan goals

Required License/Certification:

  • Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and current auto insurance

Additional Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of mental health/substance use interventions and community resources
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to maintain professional boundaries, multitask, and work independently
  • Comfortable building rapport with students, families, and school personnel
  • Able to adapt to changing needs and priorities in a school-based setting

Illinois Applicant Notice

As part of our talent review process, we may use technology, including AI‑assisted tools, to help organize and review applicant information. These tools support our recruiting team; all hiring decisions involve human review and judgment. Centerstone is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Range:

$19.10--$26.80

Delivering care that changes people's lives starts with our employees. Below are just some of the great benefits Centerstone employees enjoy:

  • Medical, dental, and vision health coverage

  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts

  • 403b retirement plan with company match

  • Paid time off and ten paid holidays

  • AD&D Insurance, Life Insurance, and Long Term Disability (company paid)

  • Employee Resource Groups

  • Continuing education opportunities

  • Employee Assistance Program

Centerstone is an equal opportunity employer. Employment at Centerstone is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. We treat all clients and colleagues with dignity and respect.

At Centerstone, we use our values as a guide for what we do. Respect, Expertise, Integrity and Empowerment are at the heart of every interaction at Centerstone, and particularly rooted in our Culture.

Our approach to culture is to create an environment that encourages, supports and celebrates the voices and experiences of our employees. We are committed to a culture of empowerment, respect, integrity and expertise that powers our innovation and connects us to each other, our clients and the communities we serve.

Centerstone is also committed to a strong culture of quality and safety, celebrating role-models who champion best practices for quality, clinical risk, and patient safety.