Mental Health Partnership Specialist

Behavioral and Mental Health Partnership Specialist

Be the Bridge Students Need

At Communities In Schools (CIS) of Chicago we believe students cant enhance their learning when their needs are met - and that includes mental and emotional health. Every day we partner with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and hundreds of community organizations to bring no cost high-quality programs directly to schools. These programs help students stay focused engaged and on track to graduate.

During the 2025-26 school year well serve over 80000 students across 250 schools connecting them to life-changing support-from arts and academic enrichment to health and mental wellness services. And we need your help to make it happen.

Were looking for a Behavioral and Mental Health Partnership Specialist to join our team. If youre passionate about youth mental health love building relationships and want to play a key role in improving the well-being of thousands of Chicago students-this is your chance to make a real impact.

What Youll Do

Youll be part of our Community Partnership Team - the crew that connects schools with powerful programs from 200 community partners. As the go-to expert for behavioral and mental health support your job is to make sure students have access to the services that help them feel safe supported and ready to learn.

• Build strong partnerships with 75 community-based providers in areas like social emotional learning mental health education counseling anti-bullying and trauma-informed care.

• Connect programs to schools ensuring they meet each schools unique needs and align with CISs mission and values.

• Collaborate with school staff (Student Supports Managers and School Partnership Specialists) to get the right programs to the right students at the right time.

• Stay in the loop on CPS priorities like the Healing-Centered Framework and promote programs that reflect inclusive culturally affirming practices.

• Evaluate adapt and strengthen programmatic offerings by collecting feedback analyzing data and making sure partnerships stay meaningful and effective.

• Plan trainings and networking events that help our community partners grow share best practices and stay inspired.

Youre a Great Fit If You Are...

• A connector who believes in the power of community partnerships
• Passionate about youth mental health and school wellness
• A clear thoughtful communicator-whether face-to-face over email or via Zoom
• Organized proactive and always thinking two steps ahead
• Comfortable with data and details but also see the bigger picture
• Motivated by mission equity and helping students thrive

What You Bring

• Bachelors degree
• 3 years of relevant experience-ideally in schools nonprofits or youth development
• Strong knowledge of mental health trauma-informed practices and culturally responsive programming
• Familiarity with CPS systems (or a willingness to learn fast)
• Reliable daily access to a vehicle a valid drivers license and the ability to work in schools
• Access to a remote workspace with internet connectivity

The Details

• Location: Hybrid West Loop office 2 days/week school and partner visits across Chicago
• Schedule: Full-time year-round role following CISs calendar (not CPSs)
• Salary: $50000
• Benefits: Robust package including healthcare retirement and generous PTO

Communities In Schools of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals feel valued respected and supported. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on sex gender identity or expression sexual orientation pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions) race color ethnicity national origin religion age disability medical condition marital or family status veteran or military status citizenship genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local law.

This commitment applies to every aspect of employment at CIS of Chicago-including recruitment hiring training promotion compensation and all other conditions of employment. We believe that building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve strengthens our mission to surround students with a community of support empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

All final canidates are required to go through Chicago Public School Background Check Process.

Required Experience:

IC