The Bibb County School District is now accepting applications for Project AWARE Mental Health Support Counselor for 2024-2025 school year.
This position is grant-focused and will end at the conclusion of the grant cycle.
SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT: Project AWARE
JOB SUMMARY: The Mental Health Support Counselor position will work closely with the administrative, counseling teams (and other appropriate school and district support staff) within assigned "cluster" of schools to coordinate, facilitate, and provide mental health services. The primary focus of the Mental Health Support Counselor is to enhance and strengthen school-level resources and interventions for student mental health and wellness, while also building student capacity for academic success and positive social and emotional well-being.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES & SKILLS:
1. Knowledge of therapy methods appropriate to meeting the needs of students and their families; agencies and resources available to assist children; federal and state laws concerning family rights and behavioral and mental health services.
2. Ability to identify the behavioral and mental health needs of students; work independently; communicate effectively in oral and written form; maintain accurate records; meet established time frames; establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
3. Respond to Requests for Assistance for students with mental health risks or concerns; provide appropriate intake; develop a plan of support for student/family; initiate referrals or services; follow-up with providers and/or family to ensure student services are received and appropriate.
4. Maintain and monitor a caseload of assigned students; Provide behavioral and mental health services to students and their families; conduct individual, group, and family therapy sessions. Monitor and report student progress.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Collaborate with school and district staff (administrators, counselors, etc. to plan and implement school-wide mental health campaigns, activities, etc.
2. Collaborate with school counselors, parents, and identified students to conduct a comprehensive intake for initial mental health screening and individual support plan development.
3. Use evidence-based materials, techniques, and social emotional behavioral (SEB) curriculums to promote student SEB skill-building.
4. Provide individual mental health counseling and brief interventions for student mental health; Address bullying/harassment.
5. Provide education (prevention and awareness via classes/presentation on topics such as anxiety, grief, anger/stress management, cyber safety, etc.).
6. Encourage youth leadership and empowerment skills.
7. Facilitate restorative circles and conflict resolution sessions.
8. Provide crisis assistance.
9. Provide mental health resources and referrals.
10. Serve as a liaison to/for community resources, next steps involving short term and/or long-term therapy or intervention; advocate for student mental health.
11. Provide small group mental health counseling (i.e. anger/stress management, self-esteem, grief, relationships, etc.).
12. Address mental health and mental illness; risky behaviors (i.e. alcohol/drug use); abuse (i.e. physical, emotional, sexual); depression and anxiety (i.e. suicide ideation).
13. Maintain and track documentation of mental health support for students. Submit reports on student progress.
14. Provide outreach at community and school events.
15. Provide tips to parents and teachers on approaches and strategies to best support students who may be experiencing social emotional or behavioral challenges.
16. Participate as a member of the District Crisis Response Team and meet regularly with building staff and District Student Support Services office to support mental health efforts.
EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
1. Master's Degree (Social Work or Mental Health Counseling) from an accredited college or university. Prior experience and competencies working with school aged youth and families who face various challenges; experience in providing interventions, counseling, groups to individuals or groups of school aged youth and families.
2. Certification or licensure (LMSW, LPC, LMFT, School Psychology); Experience in a school-based setting preferred. Non-licensed counselors may be considered with demonstrated experience and progress toward licensure.
SALARY/TERMS/BENEFITS:
1. 195-day work year.
2. Salary based on certification and experience
3. Excellent benefits package (including health insurance; dental, vision, and life insurance; employee assistance program); personal and sick leave; membership in Teachers' Retirement System.
4. This is a temporary position that will end at the conclusion of the grant cycle.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to
stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and
twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office
equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a
computer keyboard; to travel to other locations using various modes of private and commercial
transportation; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.
PRIMARY LOCATION: Assigned School(s)
BIBB COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.