Day Treatment Instructional Assistant

About the role

Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) is seeking an Instructional Assistant to support students receiving educational and behavioral health services in a therapeutic school setting. This position helps students build the skills needed to be successful in the classroom while supporting emotional and behavioral development. The role contributes to a structured environment where students can learn, participate, and make progress toward individual goals. If you're committed to helping students develop skills that support success in school and daily life, we welcome your application.

Responsibilities

• Assist program staff in maintaining a structured, positive, and therapeutic learning environment.
• Support students' emotional, developmental, educational, and behavioral needs throughout the school day.
• Provide direct observation and supervision of students within the program milieu.
• Deliver one-on-one interventions that encourage participation, engagement, and compliance with program expectations.
• Help students identify barriers to success and develop strategies for managing challenges.
• Assist students in resolving conflicts, expressing themselves appropriately, and improving behavior.
• Provide therapeutic crisis intervention and de-escalation support when needed.
• Implement behavioral programs, treatment interventions, and individualized support plans.
• Contribute observations and feedback for student summaries, behavior tracking, and level systems.
• Complete documentation and paperwork accurately and within required timelines.
• Support other school programs, activities, and campus needs as assigned.
• Participate in field trips and other program events as needed.

Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma or GED
• Experience: Entry level (1 year of prior experience working with children)
• Licensure: Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration; per RCW 28A.400.303, employees of contractors with school districts that have regularly scheduled unsupervised access to children are required to complete FBI fingerprinting.
• Valid Washington Food Worker Card.
• Current CPR certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire; training provided by the organization).
• Worksite-specific requirements (for float position): Must meet agency driving requirements – at least 21 years old, licensed ≥3 years, clean motor vehicle history, valid WA driver’s license, reliable insured transportation.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in psychology, social services, or behavioral health field (preferred)
• Experience: Experienced (minimum 2 years of job-related experience)
• Relevant experience working with clients with severe and persistent mental illness.
• Experience working with Special Education population.
• Experience with milieu treatment along with educational or classroom management.
• Capacity to work well with children and families.
• Licensure/Certifications: Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) (preferred)

Skills

• Knowledge: Understanding of educational systems, child development; knowledge of or ability to learn ABA therapy.
• Skills: Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, clients, organizations, and the public; providing teaching assistance; communicating clearly and concisely; proficient operation of personal computer, fax machine, printer, copier.
• Abilities: Remain calm in high-stress situations; work cooperatively and collaboratively as a team member.
• Work Environment: Classroom, office.
• Equipment Operated: Standard office equipment, including computers, fax machines, copiers, printers, telephones,