Mental Health Counselor

JD 3-13

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

Develop and oversee a comprehensive mental health program serving the Alleghany County Public Schools, working with individuals, groups and families to address mental and emotional health needs, substance abuse assessment, and crisis response. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Hold a master’s degree with a minimum of three years of successful experience;

• Hold or be eligible for certification as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), other mental health credentials; or

• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the School Board(s) may find appropriate and acceptable; and

• Demonstrated professional and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with school personnel and members of the community.

REPORTS TO:

Director of Assessment and Accountability

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Counsel individually and in small group sessions to overcome mental and emotional health needs and substance abuse dependencies.

1. Complete and maintain accurate records and reports regarding history and progress, services provided, and other information.

1. Coordinate counseling efforts with mental health professionals and other professionals such as doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and school staff, including building principal.

1. Modify plans to comply with changing needs and progress.

1. Participate in case conferences and staff meetings as part of an interdisciplinary team.

1. Plan and implement follow-up and aftercare programs.

1. Review and evaluate student progress in relation to measurable goals.

1. Confer with family members in order to keep them informed of treatment planning and progress.

1. Develop, implement, and evaluate public education, prevention, and health promotion programs, working in collaboration with organizations, communities, and institutions.

1. Intervene in order to resolve emergency problems in a crisis situation, including participation on the school crisis team.

1. Evaluate and assess suicide threats.

1. Provide mental health assessment as part of threat assessment services.

1. Collect information through interviews, observations, evaluations, and other relevant data collection measures.

1. Develop and implement treatment plans. Guide in the development of skills and strategies for dealing with mental health needs.

1. Maintain confidentiality of records.

1. Refer and coordinate with community resources and specialists as necessary.

1. Gather information about community mental health needs and resources that could be used in conjunction with necessary interventions.

1. Continue professional growth in recent developments in the field through professional literature, coursework, and seminars, and establishing and maintaining contact with other mental health providers.

Perform others duties as assigned by the supervisors. 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Ten Month Contract (200 days), exempt FLSA Status and salary to be established annually by the School Board.

EVALUATION:

Performance of this job will be evaluated by the Director of Assessment and Accountability

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:

• Reading; ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); ability to operate multiple office machines
• Ability to work with employees in stressful situations
• Ability to meet established deadlines
• Ability to maintain accurate and audible records

It is also anticipated that some stress will be associated with this position primarily due to deadlines and irregular work flow.  It is necessary that the individual have the capacity to remain calm, considerate and tactful.

Approved by School Board:   January 22, 2007

Amended:                               November 19, 2018

Salary : $45,611 - $69,091