Job Title: Licensed Mental Health Professional

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to: Principal

Pay Grade: Admin/Prof 5

Dept./School: DSISD Schools

Work Calendar: 215 Days

 

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Perform counseling services to help students resolve personal, emotional, and social problems that interfere with their adjustment to school and their ability to enjoy the benefits of the educational process. Contribute to the development of a healthy, safe and caring school environment by advancing the understanding of the emotional and social development of children and the influences of family, community, and cultural differences on student success. Function as part of the student services team to formulate plans and implement effective intervention strategies with the school, students, and parents.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Certification:

• Master’s degree in counseling or a closely-related field from an accredited college or university
• LPC or LCSW, or LMSW certification required; must be licensed to practice in the state of Texas, and maintain active licensure throughout employment

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Training in crisis and trauma counseling
• Knowledge of individual and group counseling skills
• General knowledge of the district Response to Intervention (RTI) framework, and the ability to function within it and structure interventions accordingly
• Knowledge of prevention and intervention strategies, including behavior management interventions
• Strong consultation skills for conferencing with teachers, parents, and students
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to use knowledge of human behavior, social, emotional, and community systems to guide service delivery
• Ability to conduct interventions within a broad range of settings in a professional manner
• Ability to work independently, demonstrating persistence and self- motivation
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Ability to present information in one-on-one, small group, and large group situations to students, parents, and district staff

Experience:

Three years of post-license experience in assessing and providing mental health counseling services to clients experiencing crisis and/or traumatic experiences

 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Social Work

1. Provide crisis support and individual, group, and mental health counseling to students.
2. Coordinate services with other local service providers and refer clients as necessary.
3. Perform casework service with parents to increase the parents’ understanding and constructive participation in addressing their child’s traumatic experience and their knowledge and use of available and appropriate resources.
4. Establish strong therapeutic bonds with clients.
5. Provide rationally competent, evidence-based intervention and recovery services.
6. Coordinate and integrate school and community resources and refer school staff and parents to community resources where appropriate.

Consultation

1. Serve as consultant to school personnel regarding students or situations that are not referred for direct district or outside services.
2. Contribute to the planning and implementation of parent involvement activities.
3. Consult with parents regarding their children’s academic performance, behavior, and needs.
4. Inform students and parents of their rights and responsibilities under federal and state law, including compulsory attendance.

Assessment

1. Conduct formal and informal assessments to evaluate students’ functioning in the following areas:

physical, cognitive, emotional, social development;
family history and factors that influence overall function;
behavior and attitude in different settings;
patterns of interpersonal relationships;
patterns of achievement; and
adaptive behavior and cultural factors that may influence learning.

2. Use student, family and school assessment results to identify needs that impact student learning.
3. Use assessment and evaluation results to develop appropriate interventions for students, families, schools and communities.
4. Develop long-term and short-term intervention plans consistent with curriculum; students’ needs, strengths, diversity and life experiences; and social and emotional factors.
5. Use a variety of appropriate formal and informal tools and techniques including observations and interviews to evaluate the progress and performance of students and families.

Program Management

1. Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
2. Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of counseling services and make changes based on the findings.
3. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other required documents.

Administration

1. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and board policy in guidance and counseling area.
2. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
3. Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
4. Communicate effectively with colleagues, students, and parents.

Professional

1. Model behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible.
2. Participate in professional development to improve skills related to job assignment.

Other

1. Perform other school counseling duties as assigned by the campus principal or as needed in partnership with the campus counseling team.
2. Maintain confidentiality regarding student and coworker information and as required by FERPA.
3. Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

May supervise assigned counseling aide(s), clerical employee(s), and university interns.

 

MENTAL DEMANDS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; copier; and audiovisual equipment.

Posture: Prolonged sitting; frequent standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.

Motion: Frequent walking.

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).

Environment: Work inside, may work outside. May require district-wide travel to student homes.

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; may work prolonged or irregular hours.

 

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.