Mental Health Worker / Paraprofessional Substitute - Erie, PA

Overview:

We are “making dreams come true.” Our mission is to support children and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral health challenges—and the families who love them—by providing education, resources, and services that foster independence, dignity, and community inclusion.

The Mental Health Partial Worker – School Based Substitute provides direct mental health and behavioral support in a therapeutic classroom environment. This non‑exempt position plays an essential role in helping students maintain emotional and behavioral stability while implementing individualized treatment plans in collaboration with classroom and clinical teams. Strong communication skills, crisis‑prevention abilities, and dedication to student success are key to this role.

What You’ll Bring:

• A compassionate, student‑centered approach to behavioral and mental health support
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with teachers, clinicians, and supervisors
• Crisis‑intervention awareness and the ability to maintain a safe, structured environment
• Flexibility and dependability to support a substitute‑based role
• Teamwork skills and professionalism when working with students, families, and staff

What You’ll Have:

• Bachelor’s degree in a clinical or related field
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Ability to pass required Pennsylvania background clearances (Act 34, Act 151, Act 114)
• Successful completion of the Paraprofessional Assessment
• Completion of 20 hours of annual in‑service training, including mandatory safety training
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic data entry systems
• Ability to meet physical demands, including standing, walking, light‑to‑moderate lifting (up to 35 lbs. with assistance), and participation in crisis‑management procedures

A Typical Day May Include:

• Providing therapeutic support in the classroom by implementing individualized treatment plans and promoting student engagement.
• Assisting with and leading structured social‑skills groups and other therapeutic activities.
• Supporting daily classroom routines such as attendance, materials preparation, and recreational activities.
• Observing and reporting student progress, behavioral changes, or safety concerns to supervisors and the clinical treatment team.
• Completing daily progress notes and assisting with documentation for Treatment Team Reviews.
• Providing crisis intervention when necessary using approved techniques.
• Communicating effectively with classroom staff and mental health professionals to ensure continuity of care.
• Supporting volunteers, assisting with transportation‑related needs, and participating in summer or extended programs as required.

Perks with a Purpose 
Our benefits are created with YOU in mind. 

Healthcare 
• Highmark Medical and Mental Health 
• Delta Dental and Davis Vision Coverage 

• Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Accounts 

• Teladoc Virtual Health 
Financial Well-being 
• 401K Retirement Plan with Employer Match   
• On-Demand Pay 
• Employee Referral Bonus Program 
• Student Loan Forgiveness 
• College Scholarship & Tuition Discounts 
• Employee Discounts 
Life & Family Support 
• Company Paid Life Insurance 

• Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Erie Campus*- discounted on-site weekday childcare 
• Employee discounts for select BNI events and services 

• Generous Paid Time Off  

• Seven Paid Holidays

Who is Barber National Institute?

The Barber National Institute is a non-profit committed to its mission of providing the highest quality services for children and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities or behavioral health challenges and their families. Since our founding in 1952, we have evolved into a multi-faceted organization serving more than 6,200 individuals annually with a wide range of educational, vocational, residential and behavioral health programs.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. If you need an accommodation to apply, please contact HR. EOE

Any consideration of the background check will be an individualized assessment based on the applicant or employee’s specific record and the duties and requirements of the specific job.