School Social Worker / School Counselor-Mental Health

Position Title: School Social Worker / School Counselor-Mental Health
Department: Student Services Department
Supervisor: Site Principal
Terms of Employment: 186 Day Schedule
Salary Classification: Mental Health Professional – 3-year grant funded position (with possible extension) current expiration date is June 30, 2026

Job Summary:.
The School Social Worker/School Counselor - Mental Health Professional offers comprehensive support and resources to students, to reduce educational barriers, increase the development of skills that support academic success and foster a safe and welcoming environment. This also includes connecting students and families with needed Community support.
Additionally, this role involves being part of a district cadre of mental health professionals who engage in and provide professional development tailored to the needs of their school and community.
Essential Functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include, but are not limited to the following tasks, duties, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents in this class.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• As a member of the School Student Support Team (SST) collaborates with administration, staff, teachers, families and community to address needs of identified students.
• Works with District Student Support Team (DSST) to analyze policies, programs, regulations, social skill development, legal and ethical concerns in order to provide comprehensive professional development and support services.

Tier I level of support:

• Coordinates, develops and supervises evidence-based education and prevention programs including but not limited to bullying, substance abuse, violence/aggression, suicide/self-harm and social skill development .
• Implements and supports multi-tiered programs and practices, monitors progress and evaluates for service effectiveness.
• Promotes a school climate and culture conducive to student learning. Utilizes effective practices that provide for safe environments and supportive relationships.
• Coordinates, develops and facilitates professional development for teachers, staff and administrators on research and evidenced based practices that foster safe and welcoming environments that are conducive for learning.
• Facilitates and actively participates in team, committee, staff meetings and school events.
• Works collaboratively with staff to reduce the barriers to student academic success.

Tier II Level of support:

• Designs, facilitates and oversees services for children and families that include assessment, crisis intervention, individual and group support services, home visits, case management and advocacy.
• Provides supplemental education of the school’s social skills development program in the form of individual and group sessions to address skill deficits.
• Provides crisis intervention support in the event of a family, school or community crisis or disaster.
• Works with district homeless and foster care liaison to coordinate services such as transportation and free/reduced meals for youth experiencing homelessness and out-of-home placement.
• Develops, coordinates and provides services for students, families and staff to meet basic needs.

Tier III Level of Support:

• Establishes and promotes a continuum of community resources, services and partnerships in order to support all members of the school community.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, County and Municipal statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances and Peoria Unified policies and procedures pertaining to social service delivery.
• Knowledge of systems such as Court, DES, DCS, Law Enforcement and other systems that affect families and youth served by Peoria Unified.
• Knowledge of applicable Peoria Unified School District and departmental policies and procedures.
• Skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, vendors, students, parents and the overall community working with Peoria Unified.
• Demonstrated ability to provide oral and written communication (translation in Spanish and English preferred).
• Ability to operate a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications such as Excel, MS Word, PowerPoint and other MS Office software.
• Problem solving and communication skills.

Minimum Requirements:
Master of Social Work, Unrestricted ADE Certified Social Worker Certificate, and unrestricted licensure by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). (Temporary licensure does not meet the qualifications of this position and mental health internships do not satisfy the minimum requirements.)
OR
School Counselor-Mental Health: Masters in Counseling, Mental Health Counseling or Marriage and Family Therapy, ADE Certified School Counselor Certificate PreK-12, and unrestricted licensure by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners as a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). (Temporary licensure does not meet the qualifications of this position and mental health internships do not satisfy the minimum requirements.

Other Requirements:

• Must be able to pass a background clearance check and possess a valid fingerprint clearance card.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• May be required to lift and/or carry materials and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
• May be required to travel to perform work functions.
• May be required to work outside normal working hours.