ABOUT THE JOB: Persons in these positions work 8 hours per day, 10 months per year. Under general supervision, supports district wide or school-wide mental health/wellness by providing direct services, consultation and outreach; provides mental health services including counseling, consultation, evaluations, treatment and case management for individuals and families; collaborates with school sites to promote a positive school climate with a focus on mental health prevention, intervention and case management; and performs related duties as assigned.

JOB DUTIES: Provides direct mental health services including counseling, consultation, evaluations, treatment coordination, individual or group counseling, and case management to students and families; provides consultation and collaborates to identify or develop appropriate strategies to support students engagement, social-emotional wellness, behavioral health, and mental health; conducts intake assessments; evaluates the effectiveness of counseling intervention; provides information to school staff regarding the school-wide learning environment and identified individual student needs; participates and supports activities and meetings related to student engagement; gathers information about community mental health needs and resources; serves as a liaison to other departments, agencies, and community organizations including making referrals for assistance or support; prepares and maintains all required assessment and treatment records reports; supervises, trains, and assigns, work of bachelor level interns; assists school social workers by reviewing cases with staff, providing feedback and suggestions, modifying treatment plans, and monitoring behavioral plans; holds regular group supervision meetings with interns; plans and conducts training for staff, students, and parents; and participates in the coordination of mental health services for students in emergency or crisis situations.

  Complete Job Description available at www.ggusd.us under Employment/Classified Job Opportunities/Job Descriptions

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related mental health field; and a minimum of nine months of post graduate Master’s-level experience equivalent to full-time work providing mental health services to school age children or families is required. Successful completion or current participation in a Garden Grove Unified School District internship, under the supervision of a school social worker, can substitute for the required education and experience. Experience providing direct mental health support for students in school settings and/or experience providing crisis support is highly desirable. Part-time experience will be considered and adjusted appropriately. Any other combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required skills, knowledge and abilities may be considered.

LICENSE:  Must possess and maintain a valid Class C California Driver License and remain insurable at the standard insurance rate. Must possess and maintain a valid registration or license with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) or a valid registration or license with the California Board of Psychology. Valid registration or license must be obtained prior to the start of employment.

A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING….

Knowledge of: Social and emotional development and needs of school-aged children and adolescents; principles, practices, and techniques related to mental health counseling and behavioral health for school-aged children and adolescents; conflict resolution and group dynamics; crisis management and intervention techniques; current mental health assessments, diagnoses, and treatments for school-aged children and adolescents; diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of students; and professional writing skills sufficient to write reports and correspondence that may be sensitive and have legal implications.

Ability to: Plan, prepare, and conduct individual and group counseling sessions; achieve and maintain trust and cooperation with peers, families, and students; accurately assess student needs and understand the influence of the environment on their needs; develop, implement, and monitor measurable goals, treatment plans, and interventions for students; exercise discretion and judgement in choosing ethical and appropriate courses of action; maintain confidentiality of students records related to mental health services and treatment; collect and maintain data and relevant information; develop written reports, presentations, and other related materials; communicate and collaborate effectively, both in verbal and written form; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, school and district staff.