Specialist (Behavioral Health)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary:  Under limited supervision, the Specialist uses intermediate skills obtained through experience and training to design, deliver, and support community-based programs and services aligned with LAHC’s mission of advancing equity, health, education, and community well-being. This position supports children, youth, adults, and families through program facilitation, education, skill-building, and connection to resources across a variety of focus areas, which may include youth development, workforce development, behavioral health, prevention, education, community integration, peer support, culinary literacy, and maternal and child health. The Specialist exercises sound judgment in adapting program content to meet participant needs, follows established procedures, and collaborates with internal teams and external partners to achieve program outcomes. Routine contact with program participants, families, community partners, educators, and service providers is required to meet goals and objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Participate in the development, coordination, and delivery of community-based programs and services aligned with LAHC priorities. 
• Facilitate individual and group sessions using evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices. 
• Assess participants need to inform individualized support plans, learning goals, or service referrals. 
• Provide education, skill-building, coaching, and supportive guidance tailored to participants’ developmental, social-emotional, educational, or wellness needs. 
• Foster safe, inclusive, and supportive environments that promote participant engagement, confidence, and personal growth. 
• Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with participants, families, schools, and community partners. 
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including program staff, educators, healthcare providers, and community organizations, to coordinate services. 
• Connect participants and families to appropriate internal and external resources, support, and community services. 
• Assist with outreach, community events, workshops, and site-based programming to promote engagement and program visibility. 
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including attendance, progress notes, evaluations, and outcome tracking in accordance with organizational and funding requirements. 
• Collect data and contribute to reports used for program evaluation, quality improvement, and grant compliance. 
• Remain current on best practices, program standards, and relevant community resources related to assigned program areas. 
• Attend required meetings, training, and professional development activities. 
• Maintain regular and consistent attendance. 
• Operate standard office equipment and use required software applications. 
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Community-based programming principles and youth, family, or adult development concepts.
• Trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and inclusive service delivery practices.
• Local community resources and social service systems.
• Applicable ethical standards, confidentiality requirements, and organizational policies.

Skill in:

• Group facilitation, presentations, and community engagement.
• Relationship-building with diverse populations and stakeholders.
• Operating standard office equipment and required software applications, including Microsoft Office and Teams.
• Documentation, tracking, and basic data collection.

Ability to:

• Adapt program content and engagement strategies to meet diverse participants' needs.
• Work effectively with children, youth, adults, and families in individual and group settings.
• Build trust while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams and community partnerships.
• Demonstrate empathy, patience, flexibility, and sound judgment.
• Organize and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
• Adjust work hours based on program schedules, including evenings or weekends as needed.
• Work with individuals from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds.
• Bilingual skills are highly desirable.

Educational/Previous Experience Requirements:

• Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor’s Degree
• Required Disciplines: Education, Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Public Health, Human Services, Community Development, or a related field or any equivalent combination of experience, education, and/or training approved by Human Resources.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Licenses/Certifications Required at Date of Hire: None

  Working Conditions:

Hours: Normal business hours. Ability to adjust hours of work based on the community needs, including evenings and weekends.

Travel Required:  Local travel within the Detroit metropolitan area.

Working Environment:  Climate-controlled schools, community centers, health clinics, kitchens (program dependent), and office environments.

Physical Requirements:

Sitting

Up to 7 hour(s) per day

Lifting

Up to .5 hour(s) per day

Walking

Up to 2 hour(s) per day

Up to 50 max. pounds**

Standing

Up to 4 hour(s) per day

Pushing

Up to .5 hour(s) per day

Bending

Up to 1 hour(s) per day

Up to 50 max. pounds**

Squatting

Up to 1 hour(s) per day

Pulling

Up to .5 hour(s) per day

Stooping

Up to 1 hour(s) per day

Up to 50 max. pounds**

Reaching

Up to 2 hour(s) per day

Climbing

Up to .5 hour(s) per day 

Balancing

Will not generally apply

Stairs

Up to .5 hour(s) per day

Twisting

Up to 1 hour(s) per day

Ladder

Will not generally apply

Crawling

Will not generally apply

Stepstool

Will not generally apply

Kneeling

Up to 1 hour(s) per day

Excessive heat

Will not generally apply

Typing

Up to 4 hour(s) per day

Excessive cold

Will not generally apply

Data Entry 

Up to 4 hour(s) per day

Dust

Will not generally apply

Humidity

Will not generally apply

Loud Noise

Will not generally apply

Hands in Water

Will not generally apply

Unusual hearing or vision demands:

None specified

Other physical demands or notes:

** Employees should not attempt to lift, pull or push a load more than 50 lbs. without assistance. Care should always be taken when lifting, pushing, or pulling in an awkward position. 

Last updated: May 24, 2026

DISCLAIMER

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of work performed; the level of knowledge and skills typically required; and the usual working conditions of this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive listing of all requirements or responsibilities that may be required by employees in this position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employee Signature: _________________________________________ Date: __________________