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

About the Role

This limited-duration position (26-27 school year) is responsible for developing and implementing a behavioral health pathway for Lane County High School students. The pathway is part of the Lane Career Academy (LCA) model, delivering culturally relevant Career Technical Education (CTE) curriculum and training to prepare students for further education and careers in mental health, social services, substance abuse treatment, schools, hospitals, and in-home health care.

Year 1 focuses on engagement planning, research, stakeholder interviews, and program design. Year 2 involves piloting the pathway in 3-5 high schools, prioritizing rural and underserved communities.

Responsibilities

• Plan the development and launch of the behavioral health pathway program in partnership with community, industry, and education partners.
• Engage district, community, industry, and higher education stakeholders in pathway planning.
• Enhance or establish partnerships among school districts, public mental/behavioral health providers, family/social service agencies, and community-based organizations.
• Collaborate with Lane Community College to align with higher education pathways and student support services.
• Facilitate collaboration with Lane County Public Health (LCPH) on mental/behavioral health and prevention efforts.
• Coordinate with ESD staff (Native Youth, Migrant Education, CTE) for recruitment and support.
• Identify and prepare school and work experience sites for pilot implementation in fall 2025.
• Identify necessary partners for program pilot implementation.
• Collaborate with partners to align certificates/degrees, plan course sequences (including dual credit), and develop curriculum, work-based learning, and special projects.
• Identify work experience sites and address barriers to student participation.
• Develop and implement individualized education plans for participating students.
• Create transition plans for students to pursue careers or higher education based on their goals.
• Connect students with Lane Community College career pathway supports, including tours and advising.
• Convene and lead countywide team meetings with partners and provide cross-district support.
• Serve as liaison with ODE, HECC, OHA, and participate in regional, state, and local meetings.
• Collect and analyze data to assess pathway effectiveness.
• Maintain knowledge of current research, effective practices, and trends in behavioral health.
• Assist CTE Coordinator with grant budgets, reports, and activities, including meeting reporting requirements.
• Provide support for data and evaluation reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mental/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 ability to obtain a teaching license.
• Experience working with students, families, and staff from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Minimum three years of successful project management experience in a school or community organization setting.
• Valid Oregon Driver’s License.

Skills

• Knowledge of mental and behavioral health practices and systems.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate stakeholder groups, synthesize input, and summarize information.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with students, parents, and school personnel from diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency in using technology as a daily work tool.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Work Environment

• Primarily indoor, clean, and non-hazardous work environment.
• Itinerant position requiring travel between multiple work sites, including exposure to inclement weather during site visits or field trips.
• Minimal physical exertion; occasional light lifting (up to 20 lbs) when transitioning between sites.

Work Expectations

• Engage effectively with individuals from diverse cultures or backgrounds.
• Maintain professionalism in behavior, speech, and dress appropriate to the work setting.
• Utilize agency-approved equipment and software.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Confer regularly with supervisor and follow district work procedures.
• Perform responsibilities in accordance with statutes, administrative rules, policies, and collective bargaining agreements.