Mental Health Specialist

Mental Health Specialist

The Mental Health Specialist promotes and enhances the overall academic mission by providing services that strengthen home, school, and community partnerships and addresses barriers to learning and achievement. The Mental Health Specialist significantly contributes to the development of a healthy, safe, and caring environment. Such an environment is achieved by advancing the understanding of the emotional and social development of children and the influences of family, community, and cultural differences on student success along with the implementation of effective intervention strategies. The Mental Health Specialist serves as a catalyst in promoting student well-being and successful completion of school.

The Mental Health Specialists' principle task is to empower students, families, and school personnel to access available opportunities and resources that develop each student's potential. Integrated into all major functions are home, school, community assimilation; diversity and cultural competence; dropout prevention; drug and alcohol prevention; graduation awareness; and adherence to federal and state statutes, professional development, and practices.

Job Qualifications

• Valid Ohio License: Ohio Licensed Counselor or Licensed Social Worker.
• Pupil Service License or Registration: Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW).
• Experience: Working with outside agencies, schools, students, and families.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure student safety.
• Provide student-centered services that build on strengths.
• Positively collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders.

Assessments and Intervention:

• Conduct appropriate screenings and diagnostic assessments in accordance with family and student rights to determine needs.
• Identify student social/emotional needs through assessment results.
• Assess and address program needs of students, families, and staff via surveys or other means.
• Intervene for student success through assessment, crisis response, home visits, individual and small group counseling, program development, dropout/drug/alcohol prevention, and resource coordination.
• Evaluate student and family progress using formal and informal tools.

Program:

• Plan school/district-wide programs for a safe and healthy climate.
• Assist in evaluating departmental and district-wide programs.
• Develop and deliver training and professional development programs.

Advocacy and Support:

• Advocate for appropriate student and family services.
• Assist students and families in accessing community resources.
• Develop, implement and evaluate programs and systems of care that support student and family well-being and safety.
• Promote family support of learning within a multicultural context.

Collaboration:

• Consult and collaborate with stakeholders on behalf of students and families focusing on factors affecting education, attendance, diversity, mental health, behavior, and confidentiality.
• Collaborate within the iMTSS process to create interventions and intervention plans for students and families.
• Collaborate with the iMTSS team to design holistic approaches to educational and service barriers.
• Promote collaboration among community health/mental health providers to facilitate student and family access.

Professional Expectations:

• Adhere to NASW (National Association of Social Workers) and ASCA (American School Counselor Association) Codes of Ethics and Standards.
• Stay current with and abide by federal and state laws and regulations, especially regarding disabilities, child welfare, and mental health.
• Stay current and abide by district policies and safety procedures.
• Maintain accurate case records and documentation to maintain accountability.
• Establish and maintain cooperative professional relationships.
• Engage in professional development.
• Utilize research and technology to support students and families.
• Facilitate change using relevant statutes, policies, and procedures.
• Organize time, resources, and workload effectively to maximize service effectiveness.
• Exhibit professional behavior, emotional stability, and sound judgment.
• Serve as a role model for students.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain a drug-free workplace.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EEO Disclaimer Findlay City Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, military status, ancestry, or genetic information (collectively, "Protected Classes"). The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.