Mental Health Counselor for 2024-2025 School Year

TRENTON SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Mental Health Counselor

Term of Employment: Two Hundred (200) Days Contract

Immediate Supervisor: Special Populations Supervisor

Qualifications: Minimum of a Master's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or Related Field. Licensed Preferred. Previous experience with children and adolescent behaviors, emotional & behavioral health, mental health, and social services is preferred.

Must have a warm and friendly personality, be sensitive to the feelings and needs of others, be able to relate well to children, and be willing to fulfill responsibilities in accordance with the Trenton Special School District policies and philosophy.

The mental health professional will focus on advocacy, outreach, and accessibility to mental and behavioral health. Mental health professionals will use the Mulit-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) framework to address unmet needs of behavioral health problems for school-aged youth to promote wellness and resiliency. They also provide training and education for school leadership, classroom teachers, and support staff regarding mental wellness related topics; and implement behavioral interventions for youth and families. The role of the mental health professional is not limited to the overview of responsibilities (see below) and/or needs of the school district, which may require additional roles and/or responsibilities.

Essential Functions:

Implement behavior interventions

Individual and/or group interventions and psychoeducation to students to develop positive coping and de-escalation strategies

Provides support and consultation to teachers and school personnel in implementing school wide trauma-informed practices

Provide crisis intervention:

Develop intervention strategies leading to academic and social success

Assess family situations affecting academic progress

Plan, conduct, and evaluate parent education/support groups

Provide case management for students/families

Plan and/or collaborate outreach activities within the school to reduce the stigma of mental health

Develop strategies to ensure student success while reducing chronic absenteeism & juvenile court referrals

Identify and refer to school and/or community resources to address the overall well-being of students and their families

Perform other work-related duties

Skills:

• Be a mature individual
• Have the ability to conform to an established work schedule
• Have effective interpersonal skills
• Have the ability to communicate in a concise and effective manner
• Have the ability to understand and follow instructions precisely
• Have the ability to exercise tact, discretion and confidentiality

General Requirements:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be a complete list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so assigned.

Evaluation: Conducted by the building level administrators and Central Office supervisory staff.

Applications should be completed on line at www.trentonssd.org. Transfer requests should be sent to Tim Haney, Director of Schools at 201 W. Tenth Street, Trenton, TN 38382. For further information call (731) 855-1191 or email tim.haney@trentonssd.org or contact Amy Allen at (731) 855-1191 or email amy.allen@trentonssd.org. Transfer requests will be accepted through the close of business hours March 18, 2024. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The Trenton Special School District offers its program and employment to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, age, national origin, gender or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.