Mental Health Counselor

This is a grant funded position

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Student Services, provides assessments and crisis interventions for students, their families as well as other direct services, (ind., group, family, etc.). The Mental Health Counselor significantly contributes to the development of children and the influences of family, community, and cultural differences on student success and by implementing effective intervention strategies.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Provides direct individual mental health counseling to students.

Assists individual students with bullying/harassment issues.

Provides education (prevention and awareness via classes/presentations on topics such as anger/stress management, cyber safety, etc.)

Develops youth leadership and empowerment skills.

Provides mediation/conflict resolution and restorative justice services to schools.

Provides crisis assistance to schools (student death, family death, etc.), as needed.

Provides truancy intervention to students.

Provides mental health resources to students and staff.

Serves as liaison between schools, home, and community agencies in the interest of the students.

Provides small group mental health counseling (i.e. anger/stress management, girl/boy issues, self-esteem, grief, relationships, etc.)

Maintains and tracks documentation of mental health support for students.

Addresses mental health and mental illness.

Addresses risky behaviors (i.e. alcohol/drug use).

Addresses depression, anxiety and abuse issues.

Provides consultation and in-services to school personnel.

Helps school personnel understand the role of appropriate school mental health services.

Acts under the federal, state, and district and school policies and practices.

Assists students and their families to gain access to formal and informal community resources.

Utilizes research and technologies to assist students, families, schools, and communities.

Consults with stakeholders to understand factors in the home, school, and community that affect students’ educational experiences.

Collaborates with school personnel, including principal, guidance counselor, social worker, teacher, and school psychologist to develop quality interventions that best serve the student and family, when appropriate and necessary.

Maintains accurate case records and documentation. Submits monthly reports to supervisor in a timely manner.

Maintains current knowledge of and abides by federal and state laws and regulations, emphasizing persons with disabilities, child welfare, mental health, confidentiality, and student and parent rights.

Organizes time, resources, energy and workload in order to meet responsibilities.

Evaluates own practice and shares findings with supervisor to maximize the effectiveness of services and resources provided to students.

Participates in appropriate professional development activities to improve knowledge and skills.

Communicates effectively and professionally with school and district personnel in person, over the phone, and via email.

Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Requires a Master’s degree in a mental health counseling program offered by a regionally accredited institution. Experience as a professional Mental Health Counselor. Requires license by the South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists and Psycho-Educational Specialists and application of federal, state and local laws. Grammatically accurate written and oral skills to communicate ideas clearly and concisely. Ability to work effectively as a team member and under stressful conditions at times.