Mental Health Specialist - (Part-Time Position)

SUMMARY: 

The Mental Health Specialist provides direct therapy and intervention services to students within the local school districts, and assists in the development and implementation of treatment programs related to the educational, social, and emotional needs of children. The Mental Health Specialist facilitates mental health screenings, assists with functional behavior assessments, and assists school district staff to develop plans to address social/emotional needs of students.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Qualified candidates must be a licensed or limited licensed psychologist; school psychologist; psychiatrist; social worker; marriage and family therapist; board certified behavior analyst, and/or professional counselor  
• Currently licensed with the Michigan Department of Licensure and Regulatory Affairs
• Capable of developing individualized programs and providing therapeutic interventions for students with unique social-emotional needs

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Expertise in positive behavior supports
• Ability to provide in-service training to staff and parents
• Ability to work within an interdisciplinary concept
• Ability to collaborate effectively with administrators, teachers, and parents/guardians
• Ability to adapt/function independently within a variety of school districts
• Demonstrated capacity to assist educators in developing strategies/plans to ensure student success
• Demonstrated ability to be organized, self-motivated and enthusiastic
• For psychologists and social workers: Eligible for full or temporary approval as a school psychologist and/or school social worker in Michigan

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Provide direct therapy and intervention services, including crisis intervention
• Provide a problem-solving service to children and their families through individual, group and community methods, so as to enable those served to cope with problems adversely affecting the ability of children to make optimal use of the educational experience
• Serve as liaison between the school, the home, and the community in building and maintaining positive relationships
• Facilitate mental health screenings at the school level, conduct additional assessments, and triage students for further follow up as required
• Coordinate and develop resources within and outside the school system for use by children, their families and school personnel
• Collaborate with principals, teachers and other school personnel to improve use of existing school programs and procedures, as well as to plan and implement new programs and procedures related to the educational, social, and emotional needs of children
• Assist in the development and implementation of functional behavioral assessments, behavior intervention plans, emergency student assistance, and school-based risk or threat assessments
• Provide interventions and/or educational programming designed to develop social-emotional skills of children in the school setting
• Participate in team problem-solving meetings and utilize data-based decision to assist with student academic and behavioral concerns
• Facilitate professional learning for regional and district staff 
• Consult and cooperate with school staff in assessing the mental and emotional health of the individual student having school difficulty and in evolving appropriate remedial plans
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure timely documentation for all required compliance activities to include plans of care, clinical progress reports, input to IEPs/IFSPs, and school-based health services billing
• Perform other duties as assigned

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

• Must keep the affairs of Marquette-Alger RESA and LEAs confidential at all times
• Must exercise confidentiality and sound judgment in dealing with local districts, staff, students, and community agencies
• Must demonstrate excellent oral/written communication skills
• Must demonstrate proficiency in computer/software use including Google Suite, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Must effectively orchestrate multiple activities/projects simultaneously to accomplish goals and use resources effectively  
• Must demonstrate a high degree of organization and efficient time management
• Position routinely requires travel to local school districts in Marquette and Alger counties, as well as possible assignments within other counties in the Upper Peninsula
• Occasional travel to other areas of the State may be required

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Part-time position; 0.5 FTE contract, grant funded position. Must have regular and reliable job attendance, performance, and the physical ability to do the job

REPORTS TO: Director of Mental Health Services

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: According to Marquette-Alger RESA Education Association (MEA) Bargaining Unit Scale

Marquette-Alger RESA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected basis, and prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and employment. Marquette-Alger RESA’s Non-discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Non-Retaliation Policy, as well as the grievance procedure for reporting concerns or complaints, are available at  maresa.org/about-us/notice-of-nondiscrimination/ .