Day Treatment Instructional Assistant
Kitsap Mental Health Services
Summary
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.
Job description
Primary 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.
Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED
- Entry level (1 year of prior experience working with children)
- Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration
- FBI fingerprinting per RCW 28A.400.303
- Valid Washington Food Worker Card
- Current CPR certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in psychology, social services, or behavioral health field
- Minimum 2 years of job-related experience
- 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
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification
Performance Requirements
- Knowledge of educational systems and child development
- Knowledge of or ability to learn ABA therapy
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
- Providing teaching assistance
- Communicates clearly and concisely
- Proficiency with personal computer, fax machine, printer, and copier
- Remain calm in high-stress situations
- Work cooperatively and collaboratively as a team member
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- 1 year of prior experience working with children
- Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration
- FBI fingerprinting
- Valid Washington Food Worker Card
- Current CPR certification or ability to obtain within 30 days
- Bachelor's degree in psychology, social services, or behavioral health field (preferred)
- Minimum 2 years of job-related experience (preferred)
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification (preferred)
Benefits
- Health, Dental & Vision Coverage
- Generous Time Off
- 80 Hours Sick Leave Annually
- Fully Paid YMCA Membership
- Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance
- Student Loan Assistance
- Professional Development
- 403(b) Retirement Plan
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Pet Insurance
- Free Wellness App
Company overview
Kitsap Mental Health Services is a comprehensive mental health care provider serving the Kitsap County region in Washington State. As a community-based healthcare organization, it offers a wide range of mental health services including crisis intervention, outpatient counseling, psychiatric care, substance abuse treatment, and support services for individuals with serious mental illnesses. The organization focuses on providing accessible, high-quality mental health care to diverse populations across the lifespan, from children and adolescents to adults and seniors. Kitsap Mental Health Services operates as a critical component of the local healthcare infrastructure, collaborating with other community organizations, healthcare providers, and social service agencies to deliver integrated care. The organization emphasizes evidence-based practices, trauma-informed care, and recovery-oriented approaches to support individuals in achieving mental wellness and improved quality of life. Through its various programs and services, Kitsap Mental Health Services addresses the complex mental health needs of the community while working to reduce stigma and promote mental health awareness.