Student Wellness/Mental Health Counselor
Position Purpose
To promote social-emotional wellness and support, using a variety of modalities, to students and families under the supervision of the appointed counseling administrator. Modalities will include, but are not limited to, mental health counseling, social skill-building and support, parent/family engagement, consultation, and referrals with a goal of promoting personal and academic student wellness.
Essential Functions
- Collaborate with stakeholders to identify mental health and/or social-emotional needs impacting student success
- Provide mental health assessment, counseling, interventions, and appropriate referrals.
- Consult with stakeholders and other knowledgeable professionals to ensure necessary supports are being provided.
- Work within scope and practice, as outlined by the Oregon Board of Licensed Profesional Counselors and Therapits.
- Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations and institutions, including state and federal authorities as needed.
- Assist with Baker Charter Schools' dropout prevention efforts
- Serve as a ready resource to students and parents to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management; serves as a liason between home and school.
- Continues to aquire professional knoweldge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships.
- Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, as required by Baker Charter Schools' procedures and applicable laws.
- Encourages parental involvment in students' education and ensure effective communication with students and parents.
- May assist in the orientation of new teachers, and provides in-service training in guidance. Selects and requisitions appropriate books, aids and other supplies and equipent and maintains inventory records.
Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the supervising administrator, other central office administrators, and/or as designated by the Superintendent.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities, though it is not intended to be exhaustive
Equipment
Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer copy and fax machines, and telephone. Familiarity with EMR's is a plus.
Travel Requirements
Travels to monthly staff meetings, twice annually to all staff meetings somewhere in Oregon for a 3 day period, one time for new staff training, and local student center for professional meetings as required.
Skills, Knowledge, Abilities
- Skill in working with child and adolescent populations in a virtual setting.
- Skill in navigating difficult conversations.
- Knowledge of counseling principles, theories, modalities, and best practices.
- Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
- Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and mental health.
- Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
- Ability to organize and coordinate work.
- Ability to communicate effectively with students, families, and staff members.
- Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
- Ability to retain a high degree of confidentiality.
- Ability to securely maintain documentation in accordance with state and federal laws.
- Must posses Multicultural Competencies and Equitable Practices in Counseling.
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
The Student Wellness/Mental Health Counselor works from their home office and student center. The work environment is often controlled and quiet, but will also frequently include moderate to loud noise. The work environment may include exposure to unpleasant interior temperatures, dirt, communicable diseases, and distraught or difficult individuals. The work requires regular focus on a computer screen and precise control of fingers and hand movements. Bending, stooping, kneeling and lifting up to 20 pounds and may also be required on occasion.
Note: Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Job Duties for this position.
Qualifications Profile
1. Must possess an active Professional or Preliminary School Counseling License through Oregon's Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC), if an LPC or LPC-RA.
2. Must posses proper licensure through the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists or Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers. Acceptable licensure includes Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Professional Counselor - Registered Associate (LPC-RA), or Licened Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Comparable licensure from other states may qualify for reciprocity through the Oregon Board, though it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure transferability prior to accepting position.
3. Must possess a valid driver's license, running vehicle, and appropriate automobile insurance
4. Must possess job-related experience in both school counseling or school setting and outpatient, inpatient, and/or residential counseling
5. Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
Education:
- Masters Degree in counseling or related field
Experience
Successful prior experience in both school counseling or school setting and health counseling in outpatient, inpatient, and/or residential settings.
FLSA Status: Exempt
