Project Oz
Location
Bloomington, Illinois
Salary
$44,000 - $44,000 / YEAR
Deliver suicide prevention and mental health education to students and community members while sharing lived experience to reduce stigma. Coordinate with school staff to connect students with resources and assist in the development of new programming.
Requires a Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science or related field and lived experience with mental illness. Must possess a valid Illinois driver's license and reliable transportation.
We partner with young people to build a foundation that promotes safety, opportunities, and well-being in their lives.
Project Oz is looking for a full-time Mental Health Specialist to provide suicide prevention education and mental health education for junior high school students, high school students, and other community members. This mental health focused specialist shares lived experience with mental health and mental illness in order to reduce stigma, as well as communicates with school staff, connects students with resources, and assists in the development of new programming.
Health insurance No cost dental & vision insurance Generous vacation and sick time and 13 paid holidays Cell phone reimbursement or agency issued cell phone Generous retirement plan Professional development and advancement opportunities Mileage reimbursement or use of agency vehicles Flexible work schedule, with possibility of some remote hours Employee Assistance Program Eligible for federal student loan debt forgiveness program Flexible spending plan
Deliver suicide prevention education and mental health education to students in junior high schools and high schools. Deliver suicide prevention education and mental health education to other populations, such as families, school staff, community groups, and other professionals. Share lived experience with mental health and mental illness in order to reduce stigma and encourage hope. Provide assistance for students, including emotional support, resources, and information. Respond to students who share mental health concerns or experience mental health crises during class. Communicate with school staff to coordinate presentations, share information about students, and connect students with school resources. Assist in the research and design of new program materials and delivery systems. Refer students to relevant school and community resources. Assist with program evaluation and reporting by completing tasks such as student feedback review. Coordinate presentation materials. Attend school or community activities as necessary.
Complete all required forms and progress notes and submit agency reports, forms, and logs by agreed upon dates. Participate in community outreach, panels, and other committee meetings. Act as a representative of Project Oz and as a community resource person. Attend all required staff meetings and weekly program meetings. Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor, Program Manager, or executive team. Act as a Mandated Reporter as outlined by DCFS rules and regulations.
Bachelor’s Degree in education, psychology, social work, behavioral sciences, community health, or a related field. Reliable personal transportation, valid Illinois driver’s license, and satisfactory driving history, along with documentation verifying current automobile insurance. Lived experience with mental illness, either as someone who has personally experienced a mental health challenge, or as someone who has supported a loved one who has experienced a mental health challenge. A strong positive viewpoint towards mental health and a strong working knowledge of mental health, mental illness, stigma, recovery, and related topics. Comfortable discussing sensitive topics involved in mental health education, such as suicide, self-harm, and trauma.
Experience sharing information with groups of people (teaching, training, public speaking, group facilitation, etc.). Ability to use self-disclosure effectively and share personal experiences in ways that are relevant and appropriate for youth. Knowledge of and/or experience with the mental healthcare system, treatment, and/or crisis intervention. Knowledge of childhood trauma and/or experience working with youth who have been exposed to trauma. Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds. Related professional experience working in a human services program. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of Microsoft® Teams software and/or Outlook, Excel, and Word.
Market context
In Illinois, Mental Health Specialist roles are often driven by ongoing need in schools, community programs, and behavioral health settings. These positions can be competitive because employers typically look for both a behavioral science degree and lived experience with mental illness, along with a valid Illinois driver’s license and reliable transportation. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm travel expectations and prepare examples of how your lived experience supports client care.
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