Mental Health Specialist
MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST
JOB SUMMARY
Assigned to an elementary or secondary caseload, this position, under the direction of the Director(s) of Special Education, provides support to students and families in Special Education Contained Learning Centers (CLC). Duties are performed at multiple schools throughout the district.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary in consultation with the employee(s) involved.
1. Provides direct case management and therapeutic services to students, as well as a broad range of other services. Services may include, but are not limited to: assessment, treatment planning, family, individual, and/or group therapy, coordination, resource identification and development, advocacy, crisis planning and stabilization.
2. Assesses crisis situations and student needs and performs crisis intervention and short-term stabilization; plans long-term treatment programs in coordination with other professional staff.
3. Provides individual and family therapy as needed.
4. Conducts social skills groups and individual social skills training and other environmental assistance with on-site follow up and support.
5. Assists administration, multi-disciplinary team, and certificated staff with intervention support and program planning.
6. Coordinates with supervisor(s), behavior specialists, and other staff to establish an effective and integrated program of student support.
7. Coordinates with community resources and school consultations; acts as an advocate for students and their families.
8. Performs consultations, evaluations and outreach as needed for students and families.
9. Performs related duties consistent with the job description and employee assignment.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
Reports to school principals and the Director of Special Education for Elementary or the Director of Special Education for Secondary.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Requires travel between various assigned work locations.
AFFILIATION: NESPA
SALARY LEVEL: Level III
CONTRACT: 199 Days
FLSA: Non-Exempt
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
Master’s degree in behavior science or related field, from an accredited college or university; eligible for licensure of Certified Mental Health Counselor, Social Worker or Marriage and Family Therapist; qualify as a Child Mental Health Specialist; previous experience in human services with emotionally disturbed children and their families; prefer experience with in-home or community interventions.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of clinical issues pertaining to client populations (grades K-8 or grades 7-12), with extensive understanding of the clinical process and intervention strategies used to address these issues; knowledge of child development, parent skills and training, and community resources; ability to work across agencies, disciplines, and as part of a multi-disciplinary therapeutic team; ability to relate effectively with clients, agency staff, other community programs, and the general public; ability to establish relations with families who may be in crisis and/or have few community supports; ability to work respectfully with diverse populations; ability to assess clients and formulate individualized school treatment plans, apply appropriate treatment modalities; ability to perform consultations, phone emergency contacts, evaluation and outreach as needed to clients and families; assess, monitor, and document client’s response to clinical interventions; adhere to professional and ethical standards of practice; demonstrates interviewing and crisis intervention skills; and demonstrates commitment to public schooling and children’s academic, social, and emotional success.
Licenses/Special Requirements
Requires reliable means of transportation and valid Washington State driver’s license.
CLASSIFICATION HISTORY
Job description prepared by Northshore School District Human Resources, 7/02. Revised 1/09;
6/10.
Salary: $45.17 - $54.66. Salary is based upon the current ESP Collective Bargaining Agreement (Level III 2022/23 ESP Salary Schedule); placement on the salary schedule will be determined by Human Resources DOE. FLSA Non-Exempt.
