School Mental Health Initiative (SMHI) Statewide Trainer

Reports To: Project Director and Keystone Executive Director 

PURPOSES: 

The School Mental Health Initiative (SMHI), part of the Technical Assistance Support Network (TASN), supports Kansas school districts in meeting the needs of students so they can be served in the least restrictive environment. The Statewide Trainer provides professional development to help school and community personnel better serve students with mental health disabilities and offers technical assistance to improve capacity to meet these needs. Keystone Learning Services serves as the fiscal agent in collaboration with the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE). 

I. Essential Functions: 

Train District Community Leadership Teams (DCLTs) in structured processes to support children and youth in need of mental health support. 

Coach DCLTs on implementing evidence-based, multi-tier mental health interventions.

Guide DCLTs in data-based decision making to monitor the progress of students receiving mental health support across school, home, and community settings. 

Develop evidence-based resources, protocols, processes, and professional learning opportunities to support Kansas school communities. 

Develop and deliver training and presentations for state- and district-level audiences. 

Collaborate with community and TASN partners to ensure meaningful, ongoing cooperation. 

Participate in state-level meetings and conferences to refine efforts that integrate tiered mental health supports in schools. 

Support the Kansas Parent Information Resource Center in integrating family engagement practices into Kansas school mental health professional development, coaching, and evaluation. 

Increase the capacity of Families Together, Inc. (Kansas IDEA State Parent and Training Information Center) to train families on evidence-based participation in tier two and tier three mental health interventions. 

Assist in monitoring progress and providing data-driven feedback.

Collaborate with TASN Evaluation to collect data reflecting training effectiveness and intervention outcomes. 

Assist in preparing information for quarterly reports and other TASN management activities. 

Other Functions: 

Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the SMHI Project. 

Readily cross-train and collaborate with other TASN and Keystone staff to ensure continuity of services. 

Minimum Qualifications: Skills, Knowledge and Abilities. 

SKILLS are required to perform multiple complex technical tasks with the need to upgrade skills as job demands evolve. Specific skill-based competencies required include: providing effective training and coaching; proficiency with Google Workspace platform and online meeting tools.

KNOWLEDGE required includes: evidence-based multi-tier mental health interventions in educational settings; implementation science; Kansas MTSS and Alignment project; trauma-informed practices; Kansas Family Engagement Standards; and familiarity with KSDE initiatives such as KESA. 

ABILITY to coach teams using a strengths-based approach, work independently to manage time and tasks effectively, ability to convey messages clearly, concisely, and professionally through various channels, including active listening, written communication, and verbal expression, work impactfully on a team, give and receive feedback effectively, and exhibit professionalism, empathy, and integrity is required. 

Work Environment: 

Position requires maintaining a home office (with equipment, communication, and travel support provided). In-state and out-of-state travel to meetings and conferences is required. The usual and customary methods of performing the job include sitting or standing for prolonged periods, occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds, and work performed in a hazard-free environment. 

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