MADERA COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

CLASS TITLE:  MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of an assigned administrator, provide behavioral health services to students.  The Counselor identifies the behavioral health needs of students, develops therapy goals and objectives for implementation through an individual therapy plan. 

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

As a member of a comprehensive support system, provide positive interventions for students with emotional, social, psychological, and behavioral challenges.

Consult with school psychologists, Program Administrator, school site administrator and staff, district administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents/guardians regarding student mental health needs.

Effectively communicate with County Office of Education and district personnel, school staff, parents, students, and public agencies regarding the level of assistance required for the student.

Provide individual and group therapy/counseling services to students.

Provide recommendations for additional or alternative strategies to teach age-appropriate and functional replacement behaviors to students.

Monitor student behavior.

Utilize diagnostic and assessment procedures as appropriate; gather, organize, and interpret data regarding students to teachers and parents/guardians.

Conduct psychosocial assessments; support, develop, and implement effective treatment and behavioral support intervention plans in collaboration with teams.

Provide inservice training to parents, community agencies, students, County Office of Education, district personnel, and others.

Complete and maintain required documentation for students, families, and agencies.

Maintain accurate records.

Facilitate mental health interviews, assessments, and observation.

Participate in special mental health assessments, individual therapy plans, and other meetings.

Conduct emergency student risk/threat assessments and follow-up with family and appropriate agency and school staff.

Make recommendations to LEAs for mental health therapy services.

May provide clinical supervision through weekly individual and/or group supervision meetings.

Prepare and deliver oral presentations as requested; attend various meetings, conferences, and seminars as assigned.

Communicate with other administrators, personnel, outside organizations, and the public to coordinate activities, programs, and exchange information.

Maintain current knowledge of community resources and recent trends in appropriate counseling techniques.

OTHER DUTIES:

Perform related duties as assigned.

Travel locally with own transportation.

May be required to work flexible schedule to attend evening and weekend meetings and conferences.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV TR).

Effective evidence-based intervention and therapeutic techniques and procedures.

Counseling theory, ethics, and associated legal confidentiality requirements.

Laws regarding minors and child abuse reporting.

Applicable sections of the State Education Code and other applicable laws, rules, and regulations related to assigned activities.

Normal and abnormal child behavior and development.

Behavior modification techniques and strategies.

Community referral resources.

Diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of district students.

Multicultural populations and issues impacting these populations.

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.

Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.

Recordkeeping techniques.

Practices and procedures involved in the administration of health programs.

Budget preparation and control.

Oral and written communication skills.

Principles and practices of administration, supervision, and training.

Operation of a computer and assigned software.

Technical aspects of field of specialty.

Public relations techniques.

ABILITY TO:

Work with teams to use public health models to enhance systems of support for schools. 

Plan, prepare, and conduct individual and group counseling sessions.

Read, interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Maintain current knowledge of program rules, regulations, requirements, and restrictions.

Set limits and personal boundaries for students.

Assist with curriculum development.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with staff members and parents.

Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.

Work independently with little direction.

Meet schedules and timelines.

Plan and organize work.

Work confidentially with discretion.

Maintain records and prepare various reports, including confidential materials.

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team and exchange information with others.

Be flexible under pressure and adapt to interruptions and changes efficiently.

Work a flexible schedule to attend night and weekend meetings and conferences.

Travel locally.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to:  Master’s Degree in behavioral analysis, psychology, counseling education, or related field; three years experience in providing mental health therapy services or counseling and guidance support in a California school district, county office of education, or county mental health authority; three years experience in the behavioral health plan process including direct services, developing and monitoring behavioral support plans, treatment plans, monitoring progress, termination of services; two years experience providing training to parents, school district staff, and/or community-based organizations; experience in Medi-Cal charting and billing preferred.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid California Board of Behavioral Sciences Examiners (BBSE) – Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Valid California Credential authorizing services in school psychology or pupil personnel.

Valid California Pupil Personnel Services credential preferred.

Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license.  Incumbents must be insurable by the liability carrier for the County Office of Education.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:

Office environment.

Driving a vehicle to conduct work.

Exposure to potentially volatile and mentally unstable persons.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Stamina to perform multiple assignments and tasks with many interruptions and deadlines while under a variety of circumstances including critical, intense, or urgent situations.

Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations.

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard.

Seeing to read a variety of materials.

Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.