POSITION:  Mental Health Counselor

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

Provides assessment, counseling and psychotherapeutic treatment to special education students; consultation services to educational staff; works with a multi-disciplinary team in developing student IEPs and clinical treatment plans; provides direct crisis intervention and/or milieu support to assist special education students with success in both academic and social environments. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

California laws and regulations for mental health services and education code; philosophy and principles of Positive Behavior Support; California and federal regulations for behavior interventions for special education students; non-violent crisis intervention techniques; Individualized Education Program (IEP) process and law; data collection and record-keeping techniques.

Ability to:

Provide consultation and direct services to school district staff, students and families; collect and analyze data in a variety of settings and ways; monitor and evaluate student progress; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with school and agency staff and families; analyze and interpret rules, regulations, and procedures; maintain current knowledge of program rules, regulations, requirements, and restrictions; work independently; plan and organize work load, deadlines and schedules; set priorities; work with constant interruptions; work with detailed information/data; resolve problems with tact and proficiency; understand and respect diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds, disabilities and sexual orientation of teachers, administrators, and staff; maintain consistent, punctual and regular attendance.

Required Education and Experience:

• California Pupil Personnel Services Credential with School Psychologist and/or School Counseling authorization
• One year of experience as a school psychologist (if applicable)
• Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license

Desirable Qualifications:

• Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst
• Fluent Spanish speaker
• Previous experience with adolescents

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides individual, group, and family counseling to special education students using evidence-based intervention and therapeutic techniques and procedures.  E
2. Writes and implements clinical treatment plans; maintains ongoing treatment notes; observes and records student behavior to ensure the effectiveness of plan; provides clinical case management.  E
3. Promotes skill acquisition by teaching age-appropriate and functional replacement behaviors to students.  E
4. Conducts emergency student risk assessments and follow-up with family and appropriate agency and school staff.  E
5. Coordinates with caseworkers, probation officers, community support services and appropriate referrals; works with other agencies to obtain information, coordinate services and assist with providing training to support staff as needed.  E
6. Participates in the ongoing review of cases as a member of a multi-disciplinary team and makes recommendations regarding student educational programs.  E
7. Provides support to students through behavioral interventions, assisting students to maintain/obtain/regain success in their academic and social environments.  E
8. Completes paperwork to support mental health billing in a timely manner.  E
9. Performs other duties as assigned.

 DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE TO:  Administrator of Education Support Services

 January, 2017