School-Based Mental Health Professional

School Based Mental Health Professional

EdAdvance is one of Connecticut's six Regional Educational Service Centers (RESCs). EdAdvance is also a partner in the RESC Alliance and works collaboratively with the other RESC groups to support state-wide initiatives. Mission EdAdvance, exists to promote the success of school districts and their communities. EdAdvance is redefining what a Regional Education Service Center can be using a systemic approach grounded in the "3C's", Connection Culture, and Customization. Focused on local and regional priorities, we are reinvesting the expertise, energy, and resources of the agency to amplify the benefit of our constituents.

EdAdvance seeking a school social worker or school counselor to work in assigned Northwestern CT schools. The successful candidate will work in rural schools in NW CT. As part of a dynamic team, this position will focus on increasing student access to school-based mental health services.

Major Responsibilities:

• Provide individual and group counseling to an assigned caseload of students.
• Assess students' mental health needs and educational and social emotional functions through clinical interviews, observations, and consultations with teachers, other school staff, parents, and/or outside providers working with families.
• Provide data and insight to schools' Planning and Placement Team for specific student needs.
• Respond to crises and emergent situations and serve on schools' Crisis/Emergency Response Team.
• Regularly communicate with families and outside providers to optimize students' functioning across all settings.
• Collect, analyze, maintain, and update social/behavioral student data and records.
• Monitor student attendance and collaborate with families to ensure consistent student attendance.
• Create short- and long-term goals for students with or without IEPs/504 Plans.
• Identify and utilize community resources.
• Facilitate communications between students, families, school, and community resources.
• Assist in developing community awareness of student needs.
• Refer students, parents, and families to community agencies as needed.
• Support project evaluation.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Regular and consistent attendance is an essential function of this position.

Qualifications:

• Valid CT Certification as a School Social Worker (071) or School Counselor (068)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to participate and collaborate with diverse professional and paraprofessional staff.
• Strong interpersonal skills with individuals, teams, and groups.
• Experience or knowledge of crisis intervention in school settings and ability to intervene when required.
• Experience or knowledge of social and emotional curriculum.
• Experience or knowledge of working effectively with high-risk / distressed students.
• Experience or knowledge of working with students in Grades K-5 or 6-12 who have behavioral challenges, social emotional needs, and/or mental health challenges.
• Knowledge of Special Education procedures (IEP development, PPT process, federal and state regulations) preferred.