SCHOOL BASED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LIAISON

Description

EXEMPLARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

Agrees to follow all applicable laws and regulations, including VBHCS Standards of Conduct and VBHCS Policies and Procedures, in order to create and maintain a healthcare and business environment that is committed to integrity and ethical conduct.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Provide services as outlined in the TDMHSAS Scope of Service for School-Based Behavioral Health Liaison. SBBHL are Masters level mental health clinicians who assist schools in implementing universal, trauma informed practices to benefit students with Social Emotional Disturbance (SED) or at risk of developing mental health or substance use disorder.

SBBHLs use a framework with three Tiers used to define practices, programs, and interventions that meet students’ needs. Based on MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support) best practices, it is estimated that eighty percent (80%) of students will benefit from Tier I services which include universal supports school-wide, while the remaining twenty percent (20%) may need more individualized services and supports through Tier II and Tier III interventions. For the purposes of this contract, the MTSS model which can be found at https://www.tn.gov/education/student-support/student-supports-in-tn.html will serve as a framework to the SBBHL program. Liaisons will support the behavioral health of students in schools through Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III activities, which will include a mix of the following services:

Formal and informal training and education to school personnel in trauma-informed approaches and behavioral health topics such as mental health issues, substance abuse prevention, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and stress management, including deescalation for students and self-care strategies for teachers. Support and consultation to  Page 2

Counselor II Job Description (Cont’d) teachers and school personnel in implementing school wide trauma-informed practices. Facilitation of a School Climate Activity in each school served. Individual student interventions for consultation, skill-building, and psychoeducation, and individualized classroom support if requested. Psychoeducational groups with students on topics such as mental health problems, substance use/abuse, and healthy ways to deal with stress. Student screenings and consultation with staff for mental health/behavioral health needs, including participation in school meetings (e.g. IEP or 504 planning). Referrals for services and supports, and direct service provision of individual services and supports.

Contact and liaison services to foster constructive relationships between the school and families, as well as the larger community. 

Additional responsibilities include:

Keep a regular schedule of 40 hours weekly, most of which will be on-site at the schools, according to the school system’s teacher calendar. Maintain logs to record services and activities and provide totals for monthly reports. Timely and accurate documentation according to agency policy and grant standards. Work with the school to obtain informed consent for services and work to ensure legal and ethical compliance. Participate in grant team meetings and in trainings as required by VBHCS. Other relevant duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATIONAL / EXPERIENCE:

Must have a Master’s Degree in the Behavioral Sciences (social work, counseling, or psychology). Prefer experience in a school setting. Must be flexible and able to adapt to school policies and schedules, and ability to work remotely as required.  

Salary : $50,000