Mental Health Specialist

$44,000 - $44,000/Yr

Project Oz - Bloomington, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Hybrid - Bloomington, IL

About the position

Project Oz is seeking a full-time Mental Health Specialist to provide suicide prevention and mental health education to junior high and high school students, as well as other community members. This role involves sharing lived experiences to reduce stigma, connecting students with resources, and assisting in the development of new programming. The specialist will work closely with school staff and participate in community outreach to promote mental health awareness and support.

Responsibilities

• Deliver suicide prevention education and mental health education to students in junior high schools and high schools.
• Provide education to families, school staff, community groups, and other professionals.
• Share lived experience with mental health to reduce stigma and encourage hope.
• Provide emotional support and resources to students.
• Respond to mental health concerns or crises during class.
• Communicate with school staff to coordinate presentations and share information about students.
• Assist in the research and design of new program materials.
• Refer students to relevant school and community resources.
• Assist with program evaluation and reporting by reviewing student feedback.
• Coordinate presentation materials and attend school or community activities as necessary.
• Complete required forms and progress notes and submit agency reports by deadlines.
• Participate in community outreach and represent Project Oz at panels and meetings.
• Attend required staff meetings and program meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in education, psychology, social work, behavioral sciences, community health, or a related field.
• Reliable personal transportation and valid Illinois driver's license with satisfactory driving history.
• Lived experience with mental illness or supporting someone with mental health challenges.
• Strong positive viewpoint towards mental health and knowledge of related topics.
• Comfortable discussing sensitive topics such as suicide and trauma.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in teaching, training, public speaking, or group facilitation.
• Ability to use self-disclosure effectively with youth.
• Knowledge of the mental healthcare system and crisis intervention.
• Experience working with youth exposed to trauma.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Excel, and Word.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedule with some remote hours.
• Health insurance coverage.
• No cost dental and vision insurance.
• Generous vacation and sick time with 13 paid holidays.
• Cell phone reimbursement or agency-issued cell phone.
• Generous retirement plan.
• Professional development and advancement opportunities.
• Mileage reimbursement or use of agency vehicles.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Eligibility for federal student loan debt forgiveness program.