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Job Title: Behavioral & Mental Health Specialist Wage/Hour Status: ExemptReports to: Director, Student Support Services Pay Grade: 2 Administrative EducationDept./School: Academics and School Leadership Initiated Date: April 2026WHO WE ARE La Joya Independent School District (ISD) is committed to excellence for students and our community. We have a strong, 100-year legacy in the Rio Grande Valley. The district's vision - Educational Excellence: The Right of Every Student - conveys our urgent focus on students.Our work is rooted in five district priorities, which require collaboration and deep commitment to supporting one another as we serve the community. Customer Service Trust & Transparency High-Quality Instruction Excellence in Leadership Integrity & Accountability We are focused on ensuring every student in La Joya ISD has access to a high-quality, best-fit school as we work to improve from a B-district to an A-rated district. We serve more than 22,000 students in more than 30 schools and span six municipalities, covering more than 220 square miles. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR La Joya ISD is seeking a Behavioral and Mental Health Specialist who is committed to supporting students through trauma-informed practices, individualized behavior intervention plans, and family-focused strategies. The ideal candidate brings both clinical and educational expertise and can work across campuses to promote safe, inclusive learning environments for all students. This individual should be a strong communicator, problem-solver, and relationship-builder who can partner effectively with students, families, teachers, counselors, administrators, and community agencies. The Behavioral and Mental Health Specialist must be able to provide direct support to students while also building staff capacity through coaching, training, and consultation. The ideal candidate demonstrates urgency, professionalism, and the ability to manage complex situations while maintaining a focus on student well-being, behavior improvement, and positive school culture.WHY LA JOYA ISD You will be joining a district that is building on a legacy of achievement while rapidly improving and creating systems to reach new heights for student outcomes. You will receive intentional, targeted support in your leadership journey and have access to the highest-quality, research-based resources and instructional materials. We are also a district focused on continuous improvement and rigorous analysis of where we need to grow and learn.QUALIFICATIONS Education/Certification: Bachelor's degree required; preferred in psychology, counseling, social work or related field Master's degree preferred Valid Texas Certification in counseling, social work, or related field License Professional Counselor (LPC), LCSW, or similar credentials required Experience: Minimum of three years working with students in a counseling, behavioral intervention, or social-emotional support capacity required Experience in school-based or youth mental health settings preferred Experience supporting behavior intervention plans, crisis response, and staff training preferred Special Knowledge and Skills Demonstrated ability to support all types of students, including students with special needs and Emergent Bilingual students Strong understanding of trauma-informed practices, behavior intervention, and mental health frameworks Knowledge of Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) Ability to provide coaching and training for teachers and families Skilled in crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies Ability to analyze student behavior data and develop targeted intervention plans Knowledgeable in the physical, mental and emotional child development process Ability to collaborate with campus and district teams to support student success Knowledge of FERPA, IDEA, Section 504, and other legal standards related to student support Experience in using and interpreting data to inform decision-making processes that allow for intentional actions and lead to improved student achievement Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral) Strong documentation, organizational and collaboration skills Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES Note: the Instructional Specialist role includes both central-office based functions like curriculum development and improvement as well as campus-based functions like coaching and PLC facilitation. Professional Growth Serve as a transformational educator working to create a best-in-class learning environment. Participate in professional development and training to improve skills related to job assignment. Foster collegiality and team building among staff members. Provide for two-way communication with staff, students, parents, and community. Demonstrate professional, ethical, and responsible behavior. Serve as a role model for students. Commit to professional growth through active participation in reading workshops, seminars, conferences, and/or other designated professional learning. Student Support and Intervention Conduct student observations and develop individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) based on data and best practices Conduct or support Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) as needed Provide direct support to students through individual or small-group behavioral and emotional regulation sessions Monitor student progress and adjust interventions based on data and student needs Participate in ARD and 504 meetings as needed to provide behavioral and emotional health input Collaborate with campus counselors, teachers, and administrators on the implementation of positive behavior support systems Serve on campus behavior teams and support Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) efforts with behavioral strategies Assist in re-entry planning for students returning from DAEP, suspension, crisis placements, or extended absence Respond to behavioral crises and provide de-escalation support as needed Effective Feedback Receive coaching and meaningful feedback. Participate in campus visits to support and monitor implementation of instructional and behavioral practices. Provide timely, actionable feedback to teachers to improve instructional and behavioral effectiveness. Use observation and student data to assess instructional impact and adjust support as needed. Family and Community Engagement Conduct home visits as needed to support student behavior or mental health planning Provide parent training and consultation on behavior management and student wellbeing at home Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress, supports, and intervention plans Collaborate with community agencies to refer students and families for additional mental health support and services Support campuses in strengthening family engagement related to student well-being and behavioral support Staff Training and Campus Support Offer professional development to staff on mental health awareness, behavior de-escalation, trauma-informed practices, and effective classroom supports Support teachers with classroom management coaching and data-informed behavior strategies Provide consultation to campus leaders regarding behavioral trends, student needs, and intervention planning Collaborate with administrators to build proactive and preventive mental health supports across campuses Develop and share tools, resources, and strategies to improve staff capacity in supporting student behavior and mental health needs Culture & Climate Create, cultivate and lead a culture of excellence, support, and community for all school stakeholders. Support a student behavioral support system that results in positive student behavior and enhances the classroom and school climate. Facilitate effective and timely resolution of conflicts. Develop and maintain a school environment conducive to effective learning. Enhance students' social, emotional, behavioral, and academic achievement. Follow all policies, practices, and procedures that create optimal learning conditions for students with special needs in alignment with IDEA. Compliance, Documentation, and Collaboration Maintain accurate, confidential records on all student behavior interventions and mental health services Ensure compliance with FERPA, IDEA, Section 504, and other legal standards related to student support Maintain documentation of student interventions, behavior plans, parent communication, and campus support provided Participate in district-level planning meetings to align mental health and behavioral services with district priorities Submit reports, case documentation, and other required information in a timely manner Monitor the effectiveness of interventions and provide recommendations for improvement based on student data and outcomes Other Fiscal, Administrative, and Facilities Functions Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulation to accomplish instructional goals and objectives. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required including accurate and timely reports. Participate in safety inspections and drills. Comply with district policies, state and federal laws and regulations affecting schools. Other duties as assigned. WORKING CONDITIONSPhysical Demands Typical demands of a school environment. Lifting and carrying of books, boxes, and audiovisual equipment, light (15-20 pounds), climbing, stretching, visual acuity, walking, pulling, bending, stooping, climbing stairs, reaching, pushing, sitting, kneeling, standing, and twisting, may be required to control behavior through physical restraint.Work EnvironmentPrimarily school-based with regular interaction with district staff, educators, students, families, and community members. Campus visits will be required as needed and as a part of ensuring program implementation with fidelity and monitoring of service delivery models. Attendance at evening or weekend events may be required. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.Reading, supporting instruction, demonstrating computer skills appropriate for assignment, effective communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work well with students, concentration (detailed work), interpretive skills (policy, procedure, dates), reasoning skills, understanding verbal instructions, analyzing, differentiating, memorizing, coordinating, compiling, and computing. POSITION WORKING DAYS: 207 days COMPENSATION: Based on the district's approved compensation plan. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of all work requirements and responsibilities, and management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other responsibilities be performed when the job changes. Additionally, the minimum level of education notated as a requirement could be supplemented by commensurate experience and/or certification(s) or license(s) as determined by the hiring manage