Mental Health Partnership Specialist

Behavioral and Mental Health Partnership Specialist

Be the Bridge Students Need

At Communities In Schools (CIS) of Chicago, we believe studentscan't 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, we'll serve over 80,000 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.

We're looking for a Behavioral and Mental Health Partnership Specialist to join our team. If you're 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 You'll Do

You'll 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 school's unique needs and align with CIS's 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.

You're 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

• Bachelor's degree required
• 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 driver's 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 CIS's calendar (not CPS's)
• Salary: $50,000
• 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.