What are the responsibilities and job description for the Districtwide Mental Health Worker (2425.181) position at Gadsden City?
TITLE: Mental Health Worker
QUALIFICATIONS: Certification as required by the State of Alabama and the Gadsden City Board of Education
STATUS: Exempt
SALARY: Teacher Salary Schedule
REPORTS TO: Principal
SUPERVISES: N/A
Job Summary: The School-Based Mental Health Counselor is responsible for providing mental health services to students within a school setting. This role involves assessing, counseling, and providing support to students dealing with emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. The counselor works collaboratively with teachers, administrators, parents, and outside mental health professionals to create a supportive and safe environment conducive to student well-being.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Individual Counseling:
o Provide one-on-one counseling services to students dealing with emotional or behavioral issues.
o Assist students in managing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and other mental health concerns.
2. Group Counseling:
o Conduct small group counseling sessions on topics like social skills, coping strategies, conflict resolution, or self-esteem building.
o Promote peer support and positive relationships within the school community.
3. Crisis Intervention:
o Respond to mental health crises such as suicidal ideation, self-harm, or traumatic events.
o Provide immediate support and referrals to external mental health professionals when necessary.
4. Assessment and Evaluation:
o Conduct assessments to identify students’ emotional, psychological, and social needs.
o Use a variety of assessment tools to determine the most appropriate counseling approach.
o Maintain accurate records and documentation of student progress.
5. Collaboration:
o Work closely with school staff, including teachers, principals, and to identify students who may benefit from mental health services.
o Communicate effectively with parents/guardians regarding students' mental health needs, progress, and concerns.
o Provide referrals to external mental health professionals when necessary.
6. Prevention and Education:
o Design and deliver mental health education programs to students, teachers, and parents.
o Promote mental health awareness to students, families and staff
o Organize school-wide events or initiatives that encourage emotional well-being and resilience.
7. Documentation and Reporting:
o Provide periodic reports to school administration on the mental health needs and progress of students.
o Provide a monthly log of activities and students seen
8. Professional Development:
o Stay current with the latest mental health practices, interventions, and regulations.
o Participate in relevant workshops, conferences, and training opportunities to improve counseling skills.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field.
- Proven experience in providing counseling services in a school setting or similar environment.
- Knowledge of child and adolescent development, mental health disorders, and therapeutic interventions.
- Ability to handle crisis situations with professionalism and composure.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with students, parents, and staff.
- Understanding of ethical guidelines and confidentiality requirements in mental health practice.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with group counseling and mental health education programs.
- Familiarity with school-based interventions and special education services.
Working Conditions:
- Full-time position with typical school hours.
- Ability to manage a caseload of students and provide services in an organized and efficient manner.
- School environment, including working with children and adolescents in various settings.
