APPLICANT POOL: COUNSELOR - BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (1.0 AND 0.5 FTE)

Purpose : This position provides individual and group psychotherapy to youth within the school setting to address emotional/behavioral issues and/or early trauma that may lead to substance use. The main components of this position are 1) developing and implementing a clinical behavioral health program offering individual and/or group psychotherapy to students during the school day 2) providing support and guidance to families and school staff to optimize the student's positive response to therapy and improve academic outcomes.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Essential Functions . An individual in this role must be able to perform the following functions with or without reasonable
accommodation:

• Demonstrate professional knowledge and skills in dealing with mental health as they relate to students functioning and achievement in school by:
• interpreting to school personnel the relationship between the student's social, emotional, or home problems and the student's behavior or academic performance as well as the wide range of social, emotional, cultural and economic differences among children, families and communities
• consulting with school staff on current mental health practices and concepts
• expanding knowledge through consultation with other Behavioral Health Therapists, the Director of Prevention and Intervention Counseling and colleagues, as well as through reading, research, and course work
• keeping up to date on available community resources and determining how their services may be beneficial to the student, their family and the family's involvement in the academic process
• Creates a warm and inviting therapeutic environment for students that fosters rapport building and trust
• Establishes basic counseling management procedures for intervention by:
• creating a simple and efficient referral, review and response process for requests for therapy received directly from students, parents/guardians and school staff
• beginning services as soon after a referral as possible
• using pre and post symptom focused assessment/inventory tools to assess identified concerns and establish baseline data
• coordinate multidisciplinary efforts to benefit the student when appropriate
• consulting with and assisting school and community personnel when appropriate
• participating in Health and Wellness team meetings
• Structures the method of student interventions by appropriate planning and preparation by:
• investigating all relevant information regarding a referred student
• observing the student in various settings within the school environment
• consulting with school staff, community agencies or family members to assess the identified concerns
• formulating individual goals and objectives for each student
• consulting as needed
• Employs appropriate methods of practice that enable students and families to function adequately within their educational and community settings by:
• providing intensive crisis intervention to remedy effects of substance use, abuse, neglect, adverse childhood events or exploitation of children
• identifying APS and community services appropriate to students' and families' needs, execute referrals and provide follow up
• serve as an advocate for the student and their family
• Demonstrates a professional and helpful demeanor in relationships with students, parents and school staff by:
• providing support and encouragement to students, parent and staff in an atmosphere of mutual respect
• working cooperatively with school staff to develop and maintain effective interaction
• promoting free and easy communication between home and school
• Uses appropriate methods to evaluate the student's services by continuously:
• maintaining student contact log indicating types of referrals received, dates and status of referral and referral source confidential documentation regarding services, compiles and submits periodic data reports
• completing program paperwork and required documentation in a timely manner to the Director of Prevention and Intervention Counseling
• reviews and evaluates their clinical program on an annual basis for continuous improvement
• communicates regularly with the district supervisor as needed for case review, and/or procedural issue
• participates in professional development as designated by the district supervisor.
• regularly attends APS district counseling or social work meetings to keep current on policies, procedures and best practices and issues that may impact their clinical program.
• Understands the cultural context of relationships, issues, and trends in a multicultural and diverse society related to such factors as culture, ethnicity, nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation, mental and physical characteristics, education, family values, religious and spiritual beliefs, and socioeconomic status, and unique characteristics of individuals, couples, families, ethnic groups, and communities.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE:

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities.

• Solid counseling skills and a desire to work with school age population
• Comfort and skill in creating and facilitating psychotherapeutic small groups
• Balanced of professionalism and self-advocacy
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with diverse populations both verbal and written
• Ability to maintain positive relationships with students, parents, community members and staff.
• Flexibility, organization, decision-making and problem solving skills, knack for working on multiple projects and meeting deadlines.
• Knowledge of District policies on immunization, medication, first aid, emergencies and child abuse/neglect.
• Knowledge of all laws, regulations and guidelines affecting teachers and students
• Knowledge of community resources
• Willingness to consult and collaborate

REQUIREMENTS:

Required Education, Licenses, Certifications, & Experience.

• Master's Degree in Counseling, Social Work or School Counseling
• Valid NM independent clinical licensure as an LPCC or LCSW
• Valid NM Public Education license as a School Counselor Pre K- 12 (600), School Social Worker Pre K-12 (601), or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire
• 2 years' experience in K-12 schools or in a clinical setting with working directly with school age population

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Vicki Price / View email address on click.appcast.io


APPLY TO:

APS.EDU/JOBS


CERTIFIED APPLICATION


Along with a complete, submitted application, attach cover letter and resume


ADDITIONAL INFO:

Duties. All duties are standard and apply to all Albuquerque Public Schools employees. Duties cannot be changed or altered.
Employees are not screened based on duties.

• Complies with state-approved Code of Ethics of the Education Profession, APS employee handbook, employment contract and upholds and enforces rules, administrative directives and regulations, school board policies, and local, state and federal regulations.
• Articulates and facilitates the implementation of the mission and values of the Albuquerque Public Schools.
• Safeguards confidentiality of privileged information.
• Prepares and maintains accurate and complete records and reports as required by law, state directives, District policy and administrative regulations.
• Shares the responsibility for the supervision and care of District inventory, proper and safe use of facilities, equipment and supplies, and reports safety hazards promptly.
• Maintains professional relationships and works cooperatively with employees, the community and other professionals.
• Maintains professional competence through District mandated, individual and staff training, in-service educational activities and self-selected professional growth activities.
• Attends and/or conducts staff meetings and participates on committees within areas of responsibility.
• Performs other tasks related to area of responsibilities as requested or assigned by an immediate supervisor.

SALARY: A Schedule
DAYS:
HOURS:
ADA Compliance