Mental Health Professional, School-Based

Mental Health Professional - School-Based Services- Macon County, Illinois

Salary:

• High School or GED + 5 years' experience: $23.00/hour + every other Friday paid off
• Bachelor's Degree: $25.00/hour + every other Friday paid off
• Salary is based on education, experience, and licensure or certification.

Schedule: Full-Time | Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm | Every other Friday off (paid wellness day)

Looking for a career where your work truly matters?

Heritage Behavioral Health Center is seeking dedicated professionals to join our School-Based Mental Health Services Team and help support student wellness, academic success, and emotional stability.

About Heritage Behavioral Health Center

Heritage Behavioral Health Center is a mission-driven Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) located in Decatur, Illinois, serving children, adolescents, adults, and families throughout Macon County. As a CCBHC, we provide high-quality, comprehensive mental health and substance use services using evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approaches.

Our school-based team partners directly with local school districts to deliver accessible mental health supports where students need them most.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Collaborative, mission-driven, youth-supportive environment
• Every other Friday off - paid wellness days
• Competitive salaries aligned with state and national benchmarks
• Loan forgiveness eligibility through NHSC
• Strong focus on staff wellness, training, and clinical development

Your Role: Mental Health Professional - School-Based

As a School-Based Mental Health Professional, you will provide mental health counseling, community support, and early intervention services to students in partnering school districts. Services are delivered in accordance with Illinois Rule 132 and Rule 140 requirements (IDHS/DMH), ensuring high-quality therapeutic and rehabilitative interventions.

You will work closely with students, caregivers, educators, and Heritage clinicians to support students' emotional wellbeing, reduce barriers to academic success, and promote long-term recovery and resilience.

This role is ideal for someone who loves working with youth, thrives in educational settings, and values trauma-informed, strengths-based care.

Core Responsibilities Include:

Mental Health Counseling & Treatment

• Provide individual mental health counseling to students using evidence-based, developmentally appropriate interventions.
• Deliver Rule 132/140-compliant services including therapeutic interventions, treatment planning, and clinical documentation.
• Support students experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, disruptive behaviors, grief, and school-related stressors.
• Facilitate crisis intervention and safety planning when needed.

Student Support & Case Management

• Conduct comprehensive assessments addressing mental health needs, academic barriers, family dynamics, and environmental stressors.
• Provide case management and community support to help students access school and community resources.
• Collaborate with teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff to identify student needs and develop coordinated plans.

Skill Building & Early Intervention

• Teach coping strategies, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Provide individual or smallgroup skillbuilding sessions aligned with student goals.
• Support students with behavioral regulation, organization, time management, and school engagement.

Family & School Collaboration

• Engage parents/guardians to reinforce skill-building and mental health strategies at home.
• Participate in multidisciplinary school team meetings.
• Provide psychoeducation on mental health, school performance, and treatment options.

Linkage & Coordination of Services

• Connect students and families with outpatient therapy, psychiatry, medical care, housing supports, and other social services.
• Assist families with accessing benefits (Medicaid, SNAP, etc.) as needed.
• Collaborate with Heritage clinicians and community partners to ensure continuity of care.

Documentation & Professional Practice

• Maintain timely, accurate documentation consistent with Rule 132/140, Medicaid, school district, and CCBHC standards.
• Utilize trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and youth-centered practices.
• Participate in clinical supervision, team meetings, and ongoing professional development.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Mental health and behavioral needs of youth
• Rule 132/140 service requirements (preferred but can be trained)
• Community resources, educational supports, and case management principles
• Basic knowledge of psychiatric, medical, and social service systems

Skills

• Ability to engage youth and families using a non-judgmental, person-centered approach
• Strong communication, rapport-building, and teamwork abilities
• Skill in delivering counseling and community support interventions
• Competency using electronic health records and technology

Abilities

• Adapt to changing school environments and varied student needs
• Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting
• Work collaboratively with school partners and clinical supervisors
• Respond quickly and professionally to student, family, and school concerns

Qualifications

• Minimum High School Diploma or GED + 5 years supervised mental health or social service experience
• Bachelor's degree preferred in psychology, social work, education, or a human service field
• Minimum 21 years of age
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of auto insurance

Heritage Also Offers

• Generous vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave
• Every other Friday off (paid wellness day)
• Employee Assistance Program & fitness reimbursement
• Optional health, dental, vision, FSA, and supplemental life insurance
• Agency-provided life insurance and shortterm disability
• Retirement options: 401(k) and Roth
• Tuition assistance and continuing education opportunities
• Eligibility for loan forgiveness (NHSC site)

Ready to make a difference?

Join a team that cares about your well-being as much as the students and families we serve.

Apply today!