The Behavioral Health Associate (BHA) is a critical team member who collaborates with William Penn Senior High School employees, students, families, and Family First Health medical and mental health providers. The BHA uses the multi-tiered support system to develop treatment plans that ensure appropriate tiered services are offered with minimal disruption to the school day.  This is a grant funded position through 6/30/2027.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Behavioral Health Associate is a grant funded position that provides the following, for the specified school:
  1. Prevention and early intervention behavioral health support services for students
  2. Liaison to the school district student services team and community partners in the multi-tiered system of supports
  3. Coordination between the Family First H/ealth center and staff, and the specified school, students, and families
• This position collaborates, with the school district student services team and community partners in the multi-tiered system of supports, to identify students in need of behavioral health support and:
  1. Identify and provide (individual or small group) prevention, early intervention, and referral services
  2. Identify and support behavioral health goals (e.g. improved attendance, classroom behavior, academics, etc.)
  3. Integrate services with the school’s culture/climate and minimal disruption to education
  4. Promote and implement trauma-informed intervention models, like mentoring
  5. Identify, support, and provide preventive, awareness-based, and curriculum-based education and interventions on identified/needed topics in alignment with school health curriculum (e.g. mental health awareness, emotional intelligence/management, self-esteem, relationships, bullying, risk-taking behaviors, parental separation, grief, sexuality/gender, substance abuse, reproductive health, social determinants of health, etc.)
• Thoroughly document behavioral health support services provided to identified students.
• Uphold excellence in evaluation of services for quality improvement.
• Facilitate opportunities to elevate student/youth voice (e.g. hosting a student “Health Advisory”) to guide/shape future school-based health work (in collaboration with other Family First Health school-based health staff).
• For school district personnel and the school building, the Behavioral Health Associate will:

1. Serve as a subject matter expert on the school’s resource landscape
2. Understand and advocate for appropriate behavioral health resources within the school community
3. Identify and attend (when allowable) school staff trainings on trauma-informed educational approaches to support safe, stable, and nurturing environments, and support understanding of factors affecting students’ behavior/performance
4. Support development and education of appropriate school-based behavioral health service referral processes
5. Maintain understanding of behavioral management strategies used by school staff
6. Maintain understanding of school’s benchmarks for selected behavioral health frameworks and practices (e.g. Positive Behavioral Interventions & Support, Restorative Practices, etc.) and the school’s comprehensive plan

• For school district families/parents/caregivers, the Behavioral Health Associate will:
  1. Facilitate support in students’ school adjustment
  2. Assist in accessing and utilizing available resources including our school-based health services
  3. Identify and support school-led family events and workshops to increase awareness on youth behavioral health

• Attend and actively participate in internal and external meetings as required. 
• Attend trainings and conferences as determined by supervisor. 
• Perform other duties as assigned and related to the position.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
• Excellent communication skills including effective and relevant trainings
• Excellent relationship building skills including liaison relationships with caregivers, school staff, and other agencies
• Ability to work effectively on a multidisciplinary team including collaborating with other system-of-care partners 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to support individuals of all backgrounds
• Ability to display critical thinking and exercise individual judgement and discretion in matters of significance 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, employees, and the public  
• Ability to be organized and work efficiently with strong attention to detail within a demanding work environment while prioritizing tasks 
• Knowledge of computer software applications (Microsoft Office Applications, others) 
• Knowledge of grammar, spelling, and punctuation as it relates to correspondence necessary to perform essential job functions
• Ability to work in, and respond appropriately to a demanding environment including crisis situations
• Ability to appropriately handle sensitive and confidential information
• Ability to communicate well and in a caring and supportive manner with individuals of all backgrounds.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, employees, volunteers, and the public
• Ability to adhere to all Family First Health’s policies, processes, and procedures, especially, Code of Conduct, Workplace Conduct, and the Remote/Telework Policy if indicated eligible to work remotely or telework.
• Ability to articulate and advocate Family First Health’s mission and values.
• Ability to maintain required clearances and licensure (if applicable).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Mental/Physical Requirements: Must possess the physical and mental abilities to perform the tasks normally associated with a school-based position such as:   

• Frequent and prolonged work at a computer and/or on the phone for extended periods of time with repetitive typing with arm and hand motion  
• Requires correct vision and hearing to normal range 
• Occasional bending, stooping, crouching, or kneeling
• Occasional sitting on low surfaces/ground
• Frequent standing, walking, turning, and reaching  
• Frequent contact with patients, clients, vendors, and visitors  
• Occasional carrying of office supplies and lite equipment  
• Frequent competing demands, frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events  

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

• 3 Weeks of Accrued Paid Vacation per year

• 9 Days of Accrued Paid Sick Leave Time per year

• 4 Personal Days per year

• No Late Evenings or Weekend Hours

• Paid Time Off on Holidays

• Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance Plans

• Short/Long Term Disability and Life Insurance

• 403(b) Retirement Plan

• Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities

• Attention to work/life balance

Salary : $50,000 - $55,000