Mental Health and Wellness Counselor

Mental Health and Wellness Counselor Location: In-person / CIST Administrative Office / Austin, Texas; Service areas are in San Marcos CISD, Hays CISD, and Lockhart ISD. Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt. Reports to Senior Director of Mental Health Services. Supervises: May supervise AmeriCorps Members and/or volunteers. Starting Range: $4,850 per month (contingent on experience). Position Summary The Mental Health and Wellness Counselor works in partnership with the CIS Program Manager and coordinates the provision of counseling and social services in a public school setting to students and their families facing obstacles to academic and personal success. This position provides direct mental health and counseling services to students and parents and groups in accordance with the position's licensure and accepted scope of practice. It also coordinates community resources to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining appropriate mental health services. The counselor collaborates and consults with CIS and school personnel, parents/guardians, and community partners to create a greater understanding of students' needs and effective interventions to meet those needs. Responsibilities Complete student assessments and design culturally appropriate interventions to remove barriers to learning and promote academic and social and emotional success. Provide individual and group counseling to targeted students using specialized clinical knowledge and advanced clinical skills in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders and conditions in children and adolescents. Provide crisis intervention during critical situations at CIS campuses. Collaborate with CIS Program Managers on assigned campuses to gather recommendations for targeted students to receive mental health services. Provide relevant referrals and coordinate community resources to meet students' needs. Monitor students' progress toward goals. Document all services in accordance with CIS and professional standards. Communicate with CIS Program Managers on a regular basis to seek input and report on student progress. Coordinate and/or deliver trainings and workshops for teachers, school personnel, and parents/guardians. Participate in the CIS team approach to service delivery and problem-solving. Promote and maintain agency culture, standards, and systems. Perform other activities and duties as directed by the Senior Director of Mental Health Services. Qualifications Master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or related field. Current active, unrestricted LCSW, LPC, LMFT, LMHC, clinical psychologist license in Texas, or MSW or LPC-A receiving clinical supervision toward a full license and will obtain a full license within one year. Minimum of three (3) years of experience (not including post-graduate internships) in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders, and case management. Experience working with children and adolescents in high-risk populations. Demonstrated cultural competence when engaging diverse audiences, including students and families, team members, school personnel, volunteers, and community partners. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive and productive relationships to effectively collaborate with CIS staff, school personnel, and community partners. Highly self-motivated and able to work both autonomously and collaboratively. Demonstrated ability to set and manage priorities in a dynamic environment. Shared lived experience as the communities CIS serves. Proven ability to strengthen Social Work practices by fostering an environment of belonging throughout our communities. Valid Texas Driver's License and reliable transportation. Benefits Mission-driven work – be part of a team that changes the trajectory of students' lives. Professional growth – ongoing training, supervision, and career pathways into director-level roles. Community impact – build partnerships that extend beyond the classroom. Generous paid time off: 4 weeks of holidays, 2 weeks of vacation time, personal days and sick days. Comprehensive Health Coverage: 100% employer-paid employee medical plan, family subsidies, dental, vision, life, disability insurance, and 403(b) retirement plan with employer match. Community-centered culture focused on impact, growth, and connection. Communities In Schools of Central Texas is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Communities In Schools of Central Texas