Behavioral Health Pathway Specialist - Limited Duration - 2026-27 School Year

POSITION TITLE: Behavioral Health Pathway Specialist-Limited Duration 26-27 School Year

DEPARTMENT/SERVICE AREA: School Improvement

REPORTS TO: Director of School Improvement

FLSA STATUS/ CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

SALARY PLACEMENT: Licensed Salary Schedule

POSITION PURPOSE/SUMMARY: 

This position is responsible for developing and implementing a behavioral health pathway for Lane County High School students that is connected and relevant to the community, higher education pathways, and workforce needs. 

The behavioral health pathway is part of Lane Career Academy model (LCA), which delivers curriculum and training to high school students at their home school and at industry partner sites. Upon completion of this culturally relevant, regional Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway, students are prepared for further education and careers in settings such as mental health agencies, social service organizations, substance abuse treatment centers, schools, hospitals, in-home health care, and more. Year 1 includes the creation of engagement plans, scoping research, interviews with industry, building relationships with education and community partners, and subcommittee work on program design and curriculum. Year 2 is the pathway pilot in 3-5 high schools prioritizing rural and underserved communities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Plan the development and launch of the behavioral health pathway program in partnership with community, industry, and education partners.
2. Engage district, community, industry, and higher education stakeholders in the development of pathway planning.
   1. Enhance or establish partnerships among school districts, public mental/behavioral health and service providers, family and social service agencies, and community-based organizations.
   2. Collaborate with Lane Community College to ensure alignment with higher education pathways and student support services.
   3. Facilitate collaboration with Lane County Public Health (LCPH) related to mental/behavioral health and prevention efforts.
   4. Coordinate with ESD staff (Native Youth, Migrant Education, CTE)  for recruitment and related support
3. Identify and prepare school and work experience sites for pilot implementation in fall 2025.
   1. Identify necessary partners for program pilot implementation.
   2. Collaborate with partners to identify alignment with relevant certificates and degrees, plan course sequence to include dual credit opportunities, and support the development of program curriculum, work-based learning, and special projects.
   3. Identify work experience sites.
   4. Identify and address potential barriers to student participation.
4. Develop and implement education plans for each participating student.
   1. Develop plans for students to transition to career or higher education based on student career goals.
   2. Connect students with Lane Community College career pathway supports.
   3. Coordinate tours and advising support for students.
5. Coordinate and facilitate ongoing coordination and communication with stakeholders
   1. Convene and lead countywide team meetings with partners.
   2. Provide support for district or cross-district teams as requested.
   3. Serve as liaison and Lane ESD representative with ODE, the HECC, and OHA and participate in regional, state, community and local meetings related to assignment.
6. Collect and analyze information to assess the effectiveness of the Behavioral Health pathway.
7. Maintain knowledge and skills on current research, effective practices and trends related to the behavioral health field.
8. Assist CTE Coordinator with grant budgets, reports and activities, including maintaining knowledge of reporting requirements and deadlines.
9. Provide support and input for needed data and evaluation reports

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor\'s degree in mental or behavioral health, social services, education or related field. Master\'s Degree preferred.
• Valid Oregon Teaching license or professional license in the field of training with the ability to obtain a teaching license.
• Experience working with students, families, and staff from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds is required.
• Minimum three years of successful project management experience in a school or community organization setting.
• Valid Oregon Driver\'s License. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of mental and behavioral health practices and systems.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate various stakeholder groups, solicit input, synthesize and summarize information.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with students, parents, and school personnel from diverse cultures or backgrounds.
• Ability to use technology as a tool in daily work.
• Ability to work harmoniously with others and to communicate effectively (both orally and in writing) 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The position requires minimal physical exertion.  The specialist is normally standing, walking or sitting as required.  Periodically the specialist may be required to do some light lifting of materials/supplies up to 20 lbs when transitioning from site to site.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:

Generally, the specialist works in an indoor work environment performing clean, non-hazardous work.  This is an itinerant position requiring travel between multiple work sites. The specialist may encounter inclement weather during site visits, field trips or community activities. 

WORK EXPECTATIONS:

1. Effectively engage with individuals from diverse cultures or backgrounds.
2. Demonstrate professionalism and appropriate judgment in behavior, speech, and dress in a neat, clean, and appropriate professional manner for the assignment and work setting.
3. Utilize appropriate equipment and software as established for agency use as well as other

equipment and software appropriate to the assignment. 

1. Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
2. Confer regularly with immediate supervisor.
3. Follow all District work procedures and reasonable requests by proper authority.
4. Perform program responsibilities in accordance with statutes, administrative rules, policies, and collective bargaining agreements.

EVALUATION:

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of Board policy and the evaluation program adopted for the position.