Behavioral Health Specialist

About CHOOSE 180

CHOOSE 180 transforms systems of injustice and supports the young people who are too often impacted by these systems. We envision a future where youthful behavior is decriminalized and young people are offered restorative practices in lieu of traditional prosecution. In place of the school-to-prison pipeline, a community will exist to see youth as possibilities, not problems to be solved and help young people realize their potential and provide them with the tools necessary to achieve their goals.

CHOOSE 180 is made up of passionate individuals who together create a workplace deeply rooted in the community. We place an emphasis on bringing your whole self to the work of CHOOSE 180 as it is our shared conviction that you can’t compartmentalize greatness and to do so we have created a safe space for our team to be supported in their highs, lows and everything in between. This is the secret to our impact; passionate people who are committed to being their best, so that they can give their best to our youth and young adults.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Updated: March 10th, 2025

FTE 1.0 Exempt, Reports to: Director of Programs - Operations

About CHOOSE 180:

CHOOSE 180 transforms systems of injustice while working to support the young people who are most impacted by these systems. CHOOSE 180 transforms the lives of youth and young adults by partnering with institutional leaders, connecting them with community, empowering them with choice, and teaching them the skills necessary to avoid engagement with the criminal justice system. CHOOSE 180 is made up of passionate individuals who together create a workplace deeply rooted in the community. We place an emphasis on bringing your whole self to the work of CHOOSE 180 as it is our shared conviction that you can’t compartmentalize greatness and to do so we have created a safe space for our team to be supported in their highs, lows, and everything in between. This is the secret to our impact; passionate people who are committed to being their best, so that they can give their best to our youth and young adults.

Role Overview:

The Mental Health Support Specialist plays a vital role in CHOOSE 180’s Counseling team, providing direct, community-based mental health support to system-impacted youth (ages 12-24) across multiple settings, including schools, juvenile detention centers, community spaces, and partner organizations. This role focuses on relationship-building, emotional support, group facilitation, and connecting participants to resources while upholding a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based approach.

The Mental Health Support Specialist will work closely with community partners, legal system stakeholders, and CHOOSE 180’s internal teams to provide holistic, wraparound support to youth who are impacted or at risk of being impacted by gun violence, school pushout, and incarceration. This role reports directly to the Program Director.

Key Responsibilities

Participant Engagement and Support

• Provide one-on-one and group-based community mental health support rooted in trauma-informed care, emotional regulation, and restorative justice principles.
• Engage youth impacted by gun violence, gang involvement, incarceration, and school pushout, offering structure support in navigating systemic barriers.
• Lead conflict resolution sessions, peer support circles, and expressive arts workshops (e.g., music, writing, movement, and visual arts) to support emotional processing and community healing.
• Utilize the Compass Curriculum to help participants set and achieve personal academic and professional goals, and understand how their beliefs, actions, and environment can impact them in reaching their goals.
• Actively meet with youth in schools, juvenile detention facilities and community spaces, building relationships and providing accessible real-time support.
• Support youth in developing coping mechanisms, emotional regulation strategies, and self-advocacy skills to prevent further system involvement.
• Co-facilitate and in some cases lead, group sessions in schools, juvenile detention facilities, and community-based settings, ensuring an engaging and supportive environment for youth.
• In collaboration with the Program Director, design and implement healing-centered workshops that integrate both talk-based and expressive arts approaches.
• Facilitate and in some cases lead, safe spaces for youth to process trauma, build resilience, and learn conflict resolution skills.

Case Management

• Conduct weekly or bi-weekly one-on-one sessions with participants, tracking progress toward established goals.
• Maintain accurate and timely participant records in Apricot, ensuring clear documentation of support services provided, resource referrals, and progress tracking.
• Monitor participant engagement, follow up on missed sessions and adjust support strategies as needed to ensure consistent progress.
• Provide comprehensive case management, ensuring participants are connected to housing, education, employment, behavioral and whole health resources.
• Assist in cross-program referrals within CHOOSE 180, ensuring participants have access to peer mentorship, leadership development, and healing-centered spaces.

Organizational Support

• Actively represent CHOOSE 180 in community meetings, training, advocacy efforts, and system-change conversations, ensuring youth perspectives are centered.
• Provide feedback to Program Directors and Executive Leadership, helping shape program efficiency and scalability
• Attend and engage in all CHOOSE 180 team meetings, training, supervision sessions and professional development opportunities, as required.
• Assist in building community partnerships to strengthen CHOOSE 180’s impact across schools, legal system, and youth-serving organizations.
• Other duties as assigned, and relevant to mental health support

Qualifications

Required:

• Passion for youth empowerment, mental health advocacy, and social justice.
• Background in counseling, mental health coaching, or social work.
• At least 4 years of experience working with system-impacted youth in community mental health, social work, restorative justice, or youth support services.
• Experience facilitating group sessions, workshops, or peer support circles in schools, community spaces, or detention facilities.
• Strong knowledge of culturally informed care,trauma-informed care,conflict resolution, and restorative justice practices.
• Ability to build authentic relationships with youth while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Excellent communication, crisis intervention, and case management skills.
• Familiarity with Apricot or other case management systems for documentation and reporting.
• Ability to work flexibly in a variety of settings, including schools, detention facilities, and community spaces.
• Intermediate proficiency with Google Workspace for required communications, and collaborations.
• Current CPR certificate, or the ability to maintain within 60 days of hire date.

Preferred:

• Experience working with youth impacted by gun violence, incarceration, school pushout, or systemic barriers.
• Familiarity with youth diversion programs, school-to-prison pipeline issues, and community-based mental health approaches.
• Bilingual (Spanish or other languages spoken by the community we serve).
• Certified as a Peer Support Specialist.
• Certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid.

Working conditions:

This position is required to work some weekend days as well as attend after-hours events, and to be available for consultation when needed. In addition, this position may be called upon and must be capable of compassionate de-escalation and crisis intervention involving youth and/or family members working through trauma.

Compensation and benefits:

CHOOSE 180 is committed to providing employees with a living wage and benefits package. The salary for this position is $76,500. Position comes with medical, dental, and vision benefits, as well as generous paid time off.

To apply:

Please visit the website at www.choose180.org/careers and apply online by submitting your resume. Position open until filled.

CHOOSE 180 an Equal Opportunity employer regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, disabilities, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. Those who have experienced incarceration are encouraged to apply.