Mental Health Specialist

Description:

The Mental Health Specialist leads the division-wide implementation and alignment of equity-centered mental health and social-emotional services. Operating through a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, this role primarily focuses on tiered social-emotional learning (SEL) interventions, program oversight, and community partnerships. The Specialist provides targeted professional development to division staff, oversees mental health and SEL assessments, and ensures all initiatives support the diverse needs of students.

The Mental Health Specialist is a 240 day, 12-month Licensed position that reports directly to the Executive Director of Equity and Title IX Coordinator and serves as a key member of the Department of Student Services and Equity.

Qualifications:

• Education: Master's Degree in Counseling, Psychology, or Social Work

• Certificates & Licenses: A Valid Virginia Department of Education Teaching Collegiate, PostGraduate, or Pupil Services License, with an endorsement in school counseling, school social work, or school psychology required; additional clinical mental health licensing (e.g. LPC, LCP, LCSW), with the Administrative & Supervision endorsement preferred.

• Experience: Progressive experience supporting school mental health and wellness in educational settings

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A thorough understanding of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), with a preferred knowledge of PBIS and Restorative Practices.
• Comprehensive knowledge of research-backed social-emotional learning (SEL) programs and clinical mental health practices.
• Comprehensive knowledge of trauma informed care and practices.
• Ability to research and analyze program assessment tools, collect data, and analyze metrics to measure and improve student outcomes.
• Proven ability to design and facilitate impactful professional learning and training for diverse educational staff.
• Demonstrated capability to independently plan, launch, and scale division-wide programs and mental health initiatives.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills required to collaborate effectively with staff, leadership, and community partners.

Essential Functions:

• Oversee teletherapy program, collaborating with school-based teams to ensure seamless student access to virtual mental health supports.
• Provide individualized and consultative behavioral support for students, staff and families in support of Tier 3 behavioral challenges (e.g. multiple suspensions, disciplinary hearing process, alternative program placement), utilizing a restorative practices framework.
• Facilitate the division-wide implementation of any legislative bills that are specific to supporting student mental health, well being and equitable experiences.
• Support school-based teams to effectively implement tiered social-emotional academic learning curricula and interventions through an equity lens.
• Compile and manage a division repository of evidence-based SEL and mental health resources aligned with social emotional and mental health awareness.
• Crosswalk and align CASEL Competencies with the Virginia Social-Emotional Learning standards and existing division frameworks to support the integration of social emotional learning into the academic setting.
• Support and provide leadership to the division-wide social emotional crisis support and trauma-informed care support to cultivate safe, supportive school environments that actively recognize and respond to the impacts of trauma on student behavior and learning.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert and consultant to school-based mental health providers to optimize the delivery of student services.
• Support Student Services and Equity procedures, training, and compliance regarding suicide risk protocols and the required components of threat assessments.
• Coordinate and collaborate with community agencies, social services, and mental health providers to expand resources and meet diverse student needs.
• Research, develop, and implement evaluation measures and assessment tools to measure program effectiveness and intervention outcomes across all MTSS tiers.
• Prepare comprehensive written materials, reports, and documentation to track activities, ensure compliance, and support the broader goals of the Department of Student Services and Equity.
• Perform other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the department.

Compensation:

• Step Placement and Salary for this position is determined by The ACPS Teachers and Other Licensed Staff Salary Scale

Clearances:

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
• Tuberculosis Skin Test.
• Public Health Compliance - Must follow safety and health protocols.

WP