The SouthWest Metro Intermediate District #288 has four a full-time opening for a Behavioral / Mental Health Support Specialist to provide district-wide support for SouthWest Metro’s programs.
SouthWest Metro serves students in 11 member districts and 8 associate member districts across the southwestern Twin Cities metropolitan area with programs in Special Education, Career and Technical Education, Care & Treatment, Adult Education, and Alternative Education. We invite you to embrace your own value, potential, and ability at SouthWest Metro, while empowering others to discover theirs. We work to empower ALL learners to realize their self-worth through personalized educational instruction, connection to resources, and access to a supportive learning environment.
Description:
Behavioral / Mental Health Support Specialist; 8 hours a day for 195 Contract Days.
This position is part of the Support Personnel contract and follows the July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 guidelines for wages, benefits, and working conditions.
We are seeking a dedicated Behavioral / Mental Health Support Specialist to provide direct behavioral and mental (including chemical) health support to students across district programs. This role involves working with students with social, emotional, and behavioral needs to implement skill-building strategies, behavior intervention plans, and positive support within school settings.
Job Summary:
Manages Student Support Rooms for group and individual student behavioral, mental and chemical health support
Provide individual and group therapy, social-emotional learning, and skill-building exercises.
Focuses on restorative practices and supports student suspension reduction and readmission plans.
Implement individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and school-based intervention strategies.
Assist students during escalated or crisis situations using district-approved crisis prevention techniques.
Collect and maintain data on student behavior, progress, and intervention outcomes.
Support classrooms and school environments to promote self-regulation and positive behavior.
Collaborate with teachers, school social workers, school psychologists, case managers, and administrators.
Participate in student support meetings, behavior reviews, and IEP-related discussions as appropriate
Communicate effectively with students, staff, and families.
Maintain accurate documentation per district and program guidelines.
Assist in implementing safety plans, de-escalation protocols, and crisis interventions.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, education, behavior analysis, chemical health or related field preferred.
Current and valid Licensed Alcohol and DDrug Counselor (LADC) certification preferred.
Experience in schools, mental/chemical health, day treatment, or special education settings.
Training or experience with CBT, ABA strategies, DBT skills, trauma-informed practices, or regulation strategies.
Experience supporting students with ASD, EBD, or other specialized needs.
Strong communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to remain calm and supportive during escalated situations.
Willingness to complete district-funded Crisis Prevention/Intervention (CPI) training.
Pay & Benefits:
The pay range for this position is $43,446-$49,296/yr, based on experience. A competitive and comprehensive benefit package is available:
· Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA/FSA option
· Dependent Care FSA
· Generous Sick Time
· Personal Time Off
· Basic Life Insurance and AD& D
· Voluntary Life Insurance and AD&D
· 403(b) with a District dollar for dollar match
· TRA/PERA (Pension Plan)
· Long-Term disability
· Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
· Pet Insurance
Application Procedure:
Apply Online at https://www.applitrack.com/cseced/onlineapp/
Selection Procedure:
Applications will be reviewed beginning immediately until the position is filled. Those selected for interviews will be contacted.
