Mental Health Professional, School-Based in Decatur, Illinois at Heritage Behavioral Health Center

Mental Health Professional – School-Based

Salary is commensurate with education and experience:

• High School Diploma or GED + 5 years’ experience: $23.00/hour + paid wellness day every other Friday
• Bachelor’s Degree: Starting at $25.00/hour + paid wellness day every other Friday
• Master’s Degree: $60,000/annually + paid wellness day every other Friday

Additional compensation available for candidates with professional licensure (e.g., LSW, LPC, LCPC, LCSW) or certifications such as CADC.

Full-Time | Every other Friday off (paid wellness day)

Looking for a career where your work truly matters? Heritage Behavioral Health Center is hiring passionate professionals!

Heritage Behavioral Health Center is a private not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the mental and physical well-being of those we serve and advancing behavioral health in our community. As a growing organization, we are always looking for genuine, caring people to join our team! Working here at Heritage means dedication to being a positive force for change in our communities. In order to meet the needs of our clients and serve the community, we offer a wide range of open opportunities including various clinical, administrative, operations, and many more types of roles. Heritage Behavioral Health is a proud equal opportunity employer.

• Collaborative mission-driven work environment
• Every other Friday off – paid wellness days
• Competitive salaries aligned with state and national benchmarks
• Loan forgiveness eligibility through NHSC

At Heritage, we believe in taking care of our staff’s needs so that they can concentrate on taking care of the needs of the individuals we serve. Our staff are our greatest asset, and we treat them as such!

The Mental Health Professional, School-Based, plays a critical role in supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of students within the educational environment. This position involves providing direct mental health services, including assessment, counseling, and crisis intervention, to help students overcome personal and academic challenges. The role requires collaboration with educators, families, and community resources to develop and implement individualized support plans that promote positive mental health and academic success. Additionally, the professional will contribute to creating a safe and inclusive school climate by delivering mental health education and prevention programs. Ultimately, this position aims to foster resilience and healthy development in students, enabling them to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

• Conduct mental health assessments and develop individualized support plans tailored to student needs
• Provide individual and group counseling sessions to address a range of emotional, behavioral, and social issues
• Collaborate with teachers, school staff, and families to coordinate care and support student progress
• Respond promptly and effectively to mental health crises, ensuring student safety and appropriate follow-up
• Design and implement school-wide mental health promotion and prevention programs to enhance awareness and reduce stigma

The required skills enable the professional to effectively assess and address the complex mental health needs of students through individualized counseling and crisis intervention. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for collaborating with educators, families, and community partners to create comprehensive support systems. The ability to apply evidence-based therapeutic techniques ensures that interventions are both effective and appropriate for the school setting. Skills such as trauma-informed care and cultural responsiveness enhance the professional’s capacity to serve diverse student populations with sensitivity and respect. Additionally, organizational and program development skills are utilized to design and implement mental health education initiatives that promote a positive school climate.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent plus 5 years of supervised mental health or social service experience — OR — Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, education, or a related human service field
• Experience working with children and adolescents in a clinical, school, or community setting
• Knowledge of evidence-based mental health interventions and crisis management techniques
• Strong understanding of confidentiality laws and ethical standards related to school-based mental health services
• Minimum of 21 years of age
• A valid driver’s license, reliable means of transportation, and proof of automobile insurance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related mental health field
• Valid state licensure or certification as a Mental Health Professional (e.g., LSW, LPC, LCPC, LCSW, LMFT, or equivalent)
• Experience working within a school system or educational environment
• Training in trauma-informed care and culturally responsive practices
• Familiarity with special education processes and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• Certification in suicide prevention and intervention strategies

• Generous Time Off: Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave
• Wellness Benefits: Every other Friday off (paid), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and fitness reimbursement
• Insurance: Health, dental, vision, flex spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care), and additional life insurance. Health insurance includes substantial agency contributions toward the cost.
• Retirement: 401(k) and Roth retirement plans
• Professional Growth: Tuition assistance and continuing education opportunities
• Licensure Support: Clinical supervision provided for individuals seeking licensure (LSW, LPC, LCPC, LCSW)
• Loan Forgiveness: Eligible through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC)

Ready to make a difference?

Apply today and join a team that cares about your well-being as much as the individuals we serve!