Mental Health Specialist

Mental Health SpecialistJoin us at Ignite Community Schools, where we are lighting the way for student success across Texas. As a network of public charter schools under Responsive Education Solutions, we are dedicated to creating joyful, academically excellent environments that empower students to pursue their dreams in college, career, and beyond.We are seeking a passionate and experienced mental health professional to serve as a Mental Health Specialist. This role is designed to support and strengthen the work of campus and regional counselors by providing expertise, coaching, consultation, and direct intervention related to student mental health and wellness.The Mental Health Specialist will partner closely with Regional Counselors and campus teams to ensure students receive high-quality mental health support and access to appropriate services. This individual will serve as a subject matter expert in mental health promotion, crisis response, trauma-informed practices, and social-emotional development, while helping counselors implement comprehensive counseling programs aligned to Ignite's mission and goals.The primary purpose of this role is to provide leadership, consultation, and direct support to Regional Counselors and campus counseling teams in implementing a comprehensive mental health and school counseling program across all Ignite campuses.This position focuses on:Supporting counselors with mental health assessments, interventions, and referralsCoordinating crisis response and risk assessmentsDelivering professional development and coachingBuilding community partnerships and wraparound supportsPromoting student mental wellness and social-emotional growthAssisting counselors in meeting attendance, retention, and school climate goalsThe Mental Health Specialist may also provide counseling support services to students and families when needed.Required qualifications include:Education in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Teaching or a related mental health fieldMinimum of 3 years of experience working or supporting schoolsExperience conducting suicide risk assessments, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed carePreferred qualifications include:Experience mentoring and supporting studentsKnowledge of Texas Education Agency requirements and school mental health best practicesKey performance indicators include:Increase counselor effectiveness and complianceImprove mental health referral completion and follow-upStrengthen campus implementation of trauma-informed and SEL practicesReduce crisis incidents and improve intervention response times.Responsibilities include:Mental Health Leadership and Counselor SupportAssist counselors with complex student mental health cases, including crisis situations and high-risk behaviors.Support counselors in implementing evidence-based interventions and behavior support strategies.Monitor counselor documentation and compliance with legal and ethical standards.Crisis Response and Risk AssessmentSupport counselors in suicide risk assessments, threat assessments, grief support, and crisis response.Develop and maintain crisis response protocols.Participate in critical incident response as needed.Program Development and ImplementationCollaborate with Regional Counselors to plan, implement, and evaluate comprehensive counseling and mental health programs.Support implementation of:Mental Health PromotionSubstance Abuse PreventionSuicide PreventionTrauma-Informed PracticesPositive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)Assist with character education using programs such as:The 7 HabitsLeader in MeStudent and Family SupportProvide direct counseling and consultation to students and families when necessary.Connect families with community mental health and social service resources.Coordinate wraparound services for students with significant needs.Attendance and Retention SupportPartner with counselors to identify barriers to attendance and student persistence.Support intervention planning to improve attendance and retention outcomes.Data, Documentation, and ComplianceCompile, maintain, and review reports, records, and required documentation.Monitor implementation fidelity and program outcomes.Ensure compliance with federal and state laws, board policy, and professional ethical standards.CollaborationWork collaboratively with families, administrators, special population teams, teachers, and community partners.Advocate for students and underserved populations.Other DutiesTravel to area trainingsPerform other duties broadly aligned with the essential responsibilities of the role.Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. Responsive Education Solutions offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement benefits.