Bellingham Public Schools has approximately 12,000 students and 1,700 staff members. Our district worked in partnership with our community to develop The Bellingham Promise our strategic plan.

core beliefs:

We believe:
• all children should be loved,
• the whole child is important,
• every child can learn at high levels,
• early learning and development are critical,
• learning is lifelong and essential to a high quality of life,

• compassion and service build community,

• teaching children to do their best involves self-reflection and reaching higher,
• diversity enhances a strong and healthy community, and
• together we achieve more than alone.

Bellingham Public Schools Mental Health Team is a group of fully licensed Mental Health Providers who support students within the the Bellingham School District. We work with students, staff and the district as a whole on both a micro and macro level.

The Mental Health Specialist provides consultation and direct support to students, staff and families in the District.
The Mental Health Specialist works collaboratively with district staff, parents, and students to implement
comprehensive mental health and behavioral support services. The Mental Health Specialist utilizes evidence-based
practices, in response to identified student needs and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

The Mental Health Specialist works with others to align the efforts of educators, families, caregivers, community agencies, or other service providers in meeting behavioral support goals. Serve as a liaison between the school and juvenile justice, mental health services, screening services, assessment and treatment programs for the purpose of facilitating student support services, continuity of care and communication between participants.

N/A

Demonstrated sensitivity to cultural, developmental, religious and ethnic diversity of students and community, and passion for equity and inclusion. Ability to work collaboratively and coordinate with service agencies, school district administrators/staff, and other support agencies that may have direct and/or indirect impact on individual student needs. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of staff and stakeholders and demonstrated ability to connect with students, staff and community members in a mutually respectful, supportive and accessible manner. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and verbal form. Ability to process information to make sound judgments and decisions.

Interested applicants please email Anna Rittmueller at anna.rittmueller@bellinghamschools.org. Following connection for additional information an informational interview will be conducted with BPS followed by completion of application and background check prior to start.

Travel includes ability to travel between schools and locations in the district. No transportation of students is required.