Mental Health Specialist - School Program

We are looking for a client-centered, occupation-based, trauma-responsive, neurodiversity affirming, and culturally sensitive individual to join the Common Threads Family Resource Center team as a Mental Health Specialist.

Common Threads is a mid-sized nonprofit agency located on Madison’s East side. Our mission is to empower autistics, other neurodivergents, and anyone who experiences mental health needs and sensory differences by providing meaningful, comprehensive support. We accomplish this by offering a variety of evidence-based, personalized therapeutic and educational services built on an individual's strengths, goals, and community. We believe in the inherent worth of every client and we embrace all families who seek out our agency. We partner together, with dedicated and compassionate services and support, to help facilitate growth and development. It is our privilege to be of service.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Mental Health Specialist plays a vital role in supporting the emotional well-being, regulation, and self-advocacy skills of neurodivergent students within the Common Threads School Program. This position is embedded within a transdisciplinary team, ensuring that mental health support is integrated into daily programming and aligned with neuroaffirming, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approaches. The Mental Health Specialist collaborates closely with students, staff, and families to create a safe, supportive environment that prioritizes regulation, autonomy, and emotional growth.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Reasonable Accommodations Statement:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Embed treatment strategies in classroom, recess, and lunch settings
• Support student independence in routines, transitions, and tasks
• Ensure safety while promoting autonomy throughout the school day
• Implement intervention strategies as determined by the team
• Conduct assessments to understand student needs
• Develop and implement individualized support plans with the team
• Provide school-based therapeutic services (individual/group)
• Work with teachers, specialists, and therapists to embed strategies consistently
• Participate in team meetings to discuss student progress
• Consult with families, offering resources and home support strategies
• Monitor data to inform interventions and decisions
• Write accurate, professional progress reports for families
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold professional conduct

NONESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Completes other assignments and projects to meet business needs.

BUSINESS CONTACTS

• Caregivers, school district representatives, community service providers, and occasionally outside agencies or professionals involved in student support plans.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree (or higher) from an accredited program in Social Work, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Counseling, or Marriage and Family Therapy.
• Current state license that allows you to practice Psychotherapy or Psychology within the state of Wisconsin or, in some cases, an ability to successfully demonstrate that you are working towards a WI state license.
• Enthusiasm for working with Autistics and other Neurodivergents, and a commitment to continuous growth in your understanding of autistic and neurodivergent neurology
• Reliable transportation and car insurance with liability limits no less than $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident, and $100,000 property damage (required by our insurance) are preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Neurodiversity & Autism – Understanding of autism, sensory processing, executive functioning, and co-occurring mental health needs.
• Trauma-Informed & Neuroaffirming Practices – Knowledge of regulation-first approaches that prioritize autonomy over compliance-based methods.
• Mental Health & Counseling Techniques – Familiarity with evidence-based approaches for emotional regulation, anxiety management, self-advocacy, and social skills.
• Behavior as Communication – Understanding that all behaviors communicate unmet needs, requiring flexible, individualized supports rather than traditional behavioral management.
• Assessment & Data Analysis – Ability to conduct observations, analyze data, and adjust support strategies based on student progress.
• Educational & Therapeutic Collaboration – Understanding how to integrate mental health strategies within an educational setting alongside teachers, therapists, and specialists.
• Ethical & Legal Considerations – Knowledge of confidentiality laws (HIPAA, FERPA), mandated reporting, and professional ethics.
• Co-Regulation & Emotional Support – Effectively support student regulation during moments of distress.
• Adaptability & Problem-Solving – Adjust strategies based on student needs, classroom dynamics, and team feedback.
• Clear Communication – Explain mental health concepts in accessible ways to students, staff, and families.
• Collaboration & Teamwork – Work within a transdisciplinary team, embedding mental health strategies into daily routines.
• Data-Driven Decision Making – Monitor student progress, collect meaningful data, and adjust interventions accordingly.
• Professional Writing – Write clear, accurate, and grammatically correct progress reports and documentation.
• Crisis Intervention – Recognize and respond to safety concerns, escalation, and distress using de-escalation techniques.
• Empathy & Patience – Build trust and relationships with neurodivergent students, respecting their autonomy and perspectives.
• Flexibility & Creativity – Adapt approaches to meet each student’s unique needs.
• Emotional Regulation – Stay calm and supportive in high-stress situations.
• Growth Mindset – Continuously seek to improve through professional development and feedback.
• Cultural & Neurodiversity Awareness – Respect and affirm diverse identities, communication styles, and lived experiences.
• Self-Reflection & Accountability – Assess personal biases, recognize areas for growth, and seek feedback.

OTHER

• The schedule is Monday through Friday, with a full workday that includes a half-hour lunch break.
• During the one year term, the employee will work the school-designated calendar, including training and professional development days.
• In the event of snow days, staff may be requested to work onsite if conditions are safe near the school. If conditions are not safe for onsite work, staff may be asked to complete certain tasks or projects from home to make progress on work that requires additional time.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen. The employee is frequently required to sit for long periods of time and use a computer keyboard, monitor, mouse, and telephone. The employee must also be able to maintain standing and alternative seating positions throughout the day, which allow for prompt response to client needs. The employee may need to walk expediently, run, and have the physical ability to escort and/or restrain clients as necessary. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. The employee may occasionally travel on company business using various modes of transportation (airplane, bus, tax train, rental car, etc.) and must have the ability to travel with no restrictions. The employee is required to have the following specific vision abilities: close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in an office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet, although conversations can be heard. The office offers a casual, collaborative environment that houses a vibrant and fun workforce. Common Threads works hard to foster a positive healthy and anti-racist and anti-bigoted work environment that is inclusive to all backgrounds.

The job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform other related duties as may be required by the executive director, managers and/or supervisors.

Common Threads is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As such, Common Threads complies with laws prohibiting discrimination against employees or qualified applicants for employment in hiring or in any decision affecting job status or pay on the basis of age, race, ethnicity, religion, color, gender, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, cultural differences, ancestry, physical appearance, arrest record or conviction record, military participation or membership in the national guard, state defense force or any other reserve component of the military forces of the United States, or political beliefs, or any other status protected by federal, state, and/or or local laws.

Common Threads and all subcontractors agree not to discriminate on the basis of disability in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the Wisconsin Statutes secs. 111.321 and 111.34, and Chapter 19 of the Dane County Code of Ordinances.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000