Mental Health Counselor Part-time

Description

Reporting to the school Principal, the Mental Health Counselor should be self-motivated, mission driven, relational, and a compassionate team player who collaborates with the administration in promoting an environment that supports student well-being. 

The Counselor supports instructional, non-instructional, and administrative personnel in the acquisition and maintenance of optimal learning outcomes for all students by utilizing problem solving, data collection and analysis, social/emotional/behavioral intervention, consultation and collaboration, staff training, and crisis management skills. 

The Diocese of Orlando core values lay the foundation for the work performed by its employees.

1. Authenticity: Conviction that God has called us to reflect exteriorly our inner life of faith in our daily living.

2. Respect: Affirming each person’s God-given dignity and uniqueness.

3. Courage: Inspired by this gift of the Holy Spirit, we proclaim and live the Word of God fearlessly and devotedly.

4. Commitment: Individually and collectively, we are steadfast to the team and its purpose.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties and functions represent the type of tasks performed within this classification and are not listed in any order of importance. The omission of specific statements of duties or functions does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

This position will have primary responsibility to:

• Be familiar with and supportive of the educational philosophy of the school and the Diocese of Orlando. 
• Assist school counselors with coordinating interventions with students; act as an intervention specialist.
• Provide individual, group and family therapy, based on need (divorce, grief, etc.).
• Provide follow-up and implementation of reintegration plans for students who are returning to school from hospitalizations.
• Participate in meetings as necessary.
• Enhance awareness of mental health needs and services, promote community understanding of mental health, and      community response to mental health problems. 
• Possess behavior modification training and knowledge of crisis intervention techniques. 
• Foster effective communication with students, parents, and staff members. 
• Be available to students in emotional duress to assist in de-escalation and timely return to classroom instruction. 
• Collaborate with school staff, parents, and community agencies, and/or students to promote optimal learning outcomes for all students. 
• Utilize skills in problem solving and assessments for intervention to support the school in meeting the social and emotional needs of all students.
• Implement individual, group, or system-level interventions that are scientifically proven to promote positive social and emotional learning for all students. 
• Provide consultation and in-services training and professional development as necessary. 
• Provide outreach and education on mental health issues to students, families, community members, school staff, as necessary. 
• Conduct, when necessary, a comprehensive mental health needs assessments that will facilitate the instruction of students who may not be responding to instructional and/or behavioral interventions; be sensitive to the cultural background of students and families. 
• Train and/or facilitate training of teachers and staff in crisis intervention. 
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings to determine the instructional and/or behavioral needs of all students. 
• Research emerging, new and/or revised social emotional curriculum and assist with the design and implementation of instructional materials. 
• Provide outstanding customer service and use positive interpersonal communication skills. 
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. We may make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

CATHOLIC FAITH

Requires an appreciation and respect for the Catholic Church and its teachings. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church. Public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the policies of the diocese.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in Behavioral Health Science 
• Valid license by the State of Florida in one of the following disciplines: School Psychology, Clinical Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, or Clinical Psychology
• Three years’ experience working with children in education or a related field
• Requires a demonstrated commitment and respect for the Catholic Church and for the tenants of Catholic Social teaching

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Familiar with local community resources/services (which may include health, mental health, and substance abuse), highly preferred. 
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with school personnel, students, and parents. 
• Knowledge of crisis intervention.
• Strong skills in self-advocacy, as well as for the advocacy of students and families. 
• Well-organized with attention to detail, including organization, prioritization, judgement, discretion, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to system change, equity and justice as well as to providing services with a trauma-informed care lens. 
• Familiar with social and emotional learning competencies and restorative practices, highly preferred. 
• Excellent customer service skills and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Successful completion of pre-employment and annual criminal background checks.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The working hours of this position are not limited to an 8-hour day. This candidate will need to be available in the evening and weekends, as needed. Must be willing to work in conditions of stress and function well under pressure.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The ability to sit and stand for long periods of time. Must be able to reach, grasp, feel, and see up close and from afar. The candidate must be able to use basic office computer hardware and peripherals, with or without reasonable accommodation. Must be able to communicate verbally and in written form. Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (15 pounds).

Review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential for job functions and requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Requirements are representative of the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and ability.