Interim Program Manager of Mental Health Services

Description

• This is an interim, part-time position serving the Aspire Bay Area Region.

  ABOUT ASPIRE

  Aspire Public Schools operates a network of high-performing, college-preparatory charter schools serving TK-12 scholars in communities across California. Founded in 1998—in an effort to transform the inequitable racial, social, and gender outcomes that persist in our communities—Aspire is one of the largest and most forward-thinking open-enrollment public charter school systems in the nation.

  Our purpose is to prepare our scholars for success in college, career, and life. At Aspire, we set a foundation for our scholars to gain knowledge, skills, and power to access and make choices for their families and post-secondary lives. Every day, our community of students, families, teachers and staff comes together to learn, work, and play in an environment grounded in our values of Bienestar (Well-Being), Culture of Belonging, Community Partnership, Agency & Self-Determination, and Joy.

  JOB SUMMARY

  The Program Manager of Mental Health Services will evaluate and improve existing programs and services for mental health programs and services, and will support the implementation of MTSS across the region. The Program Manager of Mental Health Services provides critical leadership in implementing Aspire’s mental health-related programming. The Program Manager of Mental Health Services will advance Aspire’s commitment to MTSS by addressing student health and wellness and by focusing on program implementation, policies, services, and professional development. The Program Manager of Mental Health Services in collaboration with the Regional Director of Student Services, will support the development of a strategic plan for Aspire’s comprehensive approach to supporting students

  ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  Program Development, Leadership, and Vision

  • In collaboration with the Regional Director of Student Services, provide strategic vision and leadership for Aspire’s mental health programming, including developing best practices and evaluating initiatives relative to industry standards.

  • Co-facilitate cross-departmental collaboration to align mental health initiatives with organizational goals and improve service delivery.

  Collaboration and Community Partnerships

  • Partner with community-based organizations and engage strategic partners to increase access to mental health services and build supportive environments.

  • Collaborate with SEL Program Leaders to ensure integration with Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) for a holistic approach to student wellness.

  • Design and lead engagement strategies to support mental health awareness and involvement among parents/caregivers and the broader community.

  Program Legal Compliance, Professional Development and Clinical Support

  • Support mental health team members (including MHT3 and/or lead MHTs), ensuring licensure compliance and supporting professional growth.

  • Co-Develop and facilitate professional development opportunities for staff, school administrators, and stakeholders.

  • Develop Tier 1, 2 and 3 mental health best practices using an MTSS framework.

  • Manage intern placement and programming with eligible MHTs.

  Compliance, Policy, and Financial Oversight

  • Ensure compliance with mental health laws, CA Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) policies, and licensure requirements.

  • Ensure and monitor Aspire’s regulations reflect best practices for school-based mental health programs.

  • Ensure all mental health team members maintain active and valid licensure in alignment with California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) requirements.

  • Lead and coordinate efforts on grant writing and management, and oversee financial aspects related to mental health programming.

  Data and Outcomes Analysis

  • Use data analysis to monitor program outcomes, guide decision-making, and address inequities in mental health service access and impact across sites.

  • Collect, analyze, and interpret mental health data from school sites and regional departments to identify trends, assess program effectiveness, and set targeted goals.

  • Establish data-driven benchmarks for mental health initiatives, ensuring alignment with regional and equity-focused objectives.

  Organizational Relationships

  • Works closely with the Regional ILT and Data Team to maximize the ability of Aspire Public Schools to interrupt inequities in education for our young people.

  • Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

  Additional:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of, and support, the Aspire Public Schools mission, vision, value statements including antiracism, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior 

  • Actively seeks to improve and simplify Aspire’s approach to particular job functions

  • Comfortable with utilization of technology in a remote environment

  • This role may require travel and attend up to 80% time to schools across the region and may require some periodic travel to all Aspire regions and/or other locations for conferences/professional development

  • Perform other related duties as required and assigned. 

  QUALIFICATIONS

  Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

  • Knowledge of key concepts related to MTSS structures.

  • Knowledge of current legal, philosophical and ethical topics related to mental health delivery

  • Familiarity with California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) policies and practices related to licensure. 

  • Cultural competence regarding equity, racial justice and LGBTQ+ inclusion.

  • Experience leading and forging productive collaborations across disciplines and levels of hierarchy.

  • Exceptional writing, verbal and interpersonal skills, including public speaking.

  • Ability to think "big picture" as well as to translate ideas into realistic, actionable plans.

  • Ability to handle and respond to multiple competing priorities.

  • Ability to collaborate with other Aspire Public School departments, with a high level of personal investment in contributing to the priorities of the organization as a whole.

  • Experience in meeting facilitation.

  Minimum educational level:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required.

  • Master’s degree required in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, Public Health, or a related field.

  • Active and in good standing licensure with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences in one of the following areas: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP), or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).

  Experience required:

  • Minimum of 5-7 years of professional experience in mental health services, including clinical experience in a school, community, or healthcare setting.

  • Demonstrated experience in crisis intervention and management, including developing and implementing crisis response protocols (i.e. CSTAG, PREPaRE, or other crisis response protocols)

  • Proven track record in designing and implementing mental health programs, with a focus on student wellness.

  • Experience in supervision and training of mental health staff, including clinicians, counselors, and support personnel.

  • Strong background in collaborating with diverse communities and supporting equitable mental health practices.

  • Knowledge of current best practices and legal regulations related to student mental health services in a school or educational setting.