School Social Worker / School Counselor-Mental Health

About the position

The School Social Worker/School Counselor - Mental Health Professional offers comprehensive support and resources to students, to reduce educational barriers, increase the development of skills that support academic success and foster a safe and welcoming environment. This also includes connecting students and families with needed Community support. Additionally, this role involves being part of a district cadre of mental health professionals who engage in and provide professional development tailored to the needs of their school and community.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with administration, staff, teachers, families and community to address needs of identified students as a member of the School Student Support Team (SST).
• Works with District Student Support Team (DSST) to analyze policies, programs, regulations, social skill development, legal and ethical concerns in order to provide comprehensive professional development and support services.
• Coordinates, develops and supervises evidence-based education and prevention programs including but not limited to bullying, substance abuse, violence/aggression, suicide/self-harm and social skill development.
• Implements and supports multi-tiered programs and practices, monitors progress and evaluates for service effectiveness.
• Promotes a school climate and culture conducive to student learning.
• Utilizes effective practices that provide for safe environments and supportive relationships.
• Coordinates, develops and facilitates professional development for teachers, staff and administrators on research and evidenced based practices.
• Facilitates and actively participates in team, committee, staff meetings and school events.
• Works collaboratively with staff to reduce the barriers to student academic success.
• Designs, facilitates and oversees services for children and families that include assessment, crisis intervention, individual and group support services, home visits, case management and advocacy.
• Provides supplemental education of the school's social skills development program in the form of individual and group sessions to address skill deficits.
• Provides crisis intervention support in the event of a family, school or community crisis or disaster.
• Works with district homeless and foster care liaison to coordinate services such as transportation and free/reduced meals for youth experiencing homelessness and out-of-home placement.
• Develops, coordinates and provides services for students, families and staff to meet basic needs.
• Establishes and promotes a continuum of community resources, services and partnerships in order to support all members of the school community.

Requirements

• Master of Social Work, Unrestricted ADE Certified Social Worker Certificate, and unrestricted licensure by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
• OR Masters in Counseling, Mental Health Counseling or Marriage and Family Therapy, ADE Certified School Counselor Certificate PreK-12, and unrestricted licensure by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners as a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
• Must be able to pass a background clearance check and possess a valid fingerprint clearance card.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• May be required to lift and/or carry materials and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
• May be required to travel to perform work functions.
• May be required to work outside normal working hours.

Nice-to-haves

• Translation skills in Spanish and English preferred.