Behavioral Health (BH) Career Advisor / School Liaison (CASL)

Company Description

The Arkansas Behavioral Health Integration Network (ABHIN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the integration of behavioral health services within medical settings across Arkansas. ABHIN serves as a professional learning collaborative, fostering innovative solutions to enhance behavioral health care delivery. By supporting providers and organizations, ABHIN aims to improve access, coordination, and outcomes in behavioral health services throughout the state. The organization is committed to advancing health equity and addressing the diverse needs of Arkansas communities.

Position Summary

The BH Career Advisor / School Liaison (CASL) will serve as the primary liaison to middle and high schools across six rural counties in North Arkansas, leading school-based initiatives to increase youth engagement and student awareness of behavioral health (BH) careers. The CASL will coordinate a Summer Behavioral Health Academy, organize career exploration events, provide individualized student advising, and connect youth with training opportunities, financial aid resources, and community-based mentoring opportunities. In addition, the CASL will collaborate with the Outreach Coordinator (OC) to implement peer-led programming, youth BH clubs, and mentorship groups, while supporting trauma-informed protocols and youth engagement strategies across schools. This position is housed within the North Arkansas Partnership for Health Education (NAPHE) and leverages existing coalition and school partnerships to sustain programming and ensure meaningful youth participation.

Key Responsibilities

Career Exposure & Advising

• Lead outreach to middle and high schools to promote BH career pathways.
• Coordinate the Summer Behavioral Health Academy, including planning, recruitment, logistics, and evaluation.
• Organize and co-lead school-based career exploration events, workshops, and advising sessions.
• Develop and integrate BH career planning tools, navigation resources, and educational materials for students, parents, and educators.
• Provide individualized student advising on academic and career pathways, including guidance on financial aid and scholarships.

Youth Engagement & Peer-Led Programming

• Collaborate with the Outreach Coordinator to recruit and mentor students in peer-led initiatives such as campaigns, clubs, and peer mentorship groups.
• Support the establishment and ongoing activities of a regional Youth Advisory Board (YAB).
• Incorporate trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches in all student programming.

Collaboration & Coordination

• Attend weekly staff meetings to track progress and elevate needs/roadblocks for staff attention/assistance
• Partner with teachers, counselors, and administrators to integrate career exploration into school settings.
• Work closely with ABHIN staff and NAPHE leadership to align activities with grant goals and deliverables.
• Leverage existing NAPHE coalitions to sustain school recruitment, community buy-in, and ongoing youth engagement.
• Participate in planning and evaluation meetings, providing timely reporting on school-based activities and outcomes.

Evaluation & Reporting

• Work with schools to document student participation in career exposure and advising activities.
• Contribute to data collection and reporting requirements for HRSA performance measures.
• Provide feedback and recommendations for continuous improvement of student engagement strategies.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field.
• At least one year of experience working with middle or high school students in an educational, counseling, or youth development role.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience coordinating events, workshops, or student programming.
• Ability to travel across six rural counties in North Arkansas.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with behavioral health careers, workforce development, or career advising.
• Experience in school-based partnerships, coalition building, or community outreach.
• Background in trauma-informed practices or youth engagement.
• Lived experience in behavioral health recovery or peer support is valued.

Position Details

• Full-time, grant-funded position (through RCORP-Pathways).
• Position is remote.
• Travel across the six-county service area is required; mileage reimbursement provided, reliable transportation is a must.