ERMHS Counselor (Educationally Related Mental Health Services)

Position Overview

The School-Based Mental Health Counselor provides prevention and early intervention services to students across the district. The role includes direct mental health services, counseling, and coordination with school staff and community partners to support student well-being, academic performance, and social-emotional development.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Services

• Provide individual, group, and family counseling
• Conduct assessments, interviews, and classroom observations
• Develop and monitor individual behavior and academic support plans
• Support students with issues affecting school performance and well-being

Collaboration & Consultation

• Work with school teams (SST, IEP, 504 teams), staff, parents, and agencies
• Participate in student support meetings and IEPs as needed
• Connect families with school-based or community mental health resources

Crisis & Prevention Support

• Assist in suicide prevention, threat assessments, and crisis intervention
• Lead or support in-service training for students, staff, and parents
• Promote mental health awareness and stigma reduction strategies

Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare and maintain accurate case notes and reports
• Collect and analyze student outcomes to evaluate service effectiveness
• Ensure compliance with timelines and confidentiality requirements

Required Knowledge

• Child and adolescent development
• Mental health diagnosis, treatment, and counseling techniques
• Special education law and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
• Behavioral strategies and social-emotional learning supports
• Community mental health resources
• Crisis counseling and intervention methods

Required Skills & Abilities

• Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards
• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Work independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams
• Conduct mental health assessments and counseling
• Manage time and documentation efficiently
• Provide training and workshops to staff and parents

Physical Demands

• Visual and auditory ability to interact and communicate
• Operate office equipment and computers
• Sit, stand, bend, lift (up to 20 lbs.), and move around school sites
• Travel between school locations as needed

Minimum Requirements

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker and/or Marriage and Family Therapist
• Valid California driver's license
• Fingerprint clearance (DOJ/FBI)
• Physical exam clearance
• First Aid/CPR certification

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years experience working with school-age children in educational or mental health settings
• Experience with school-based counseling programs or student support services