EC Mental Health Specialist

POSITION PURPOSE:   

Under general supervision, performs a variety of professional, administrative, and leadership work to lead and coordinate activities in the area of Exceptional Children for ABSS. The primary responsibility is to act as liaison, consultant, organizer, and key team member with the schools, district, and the community in the integration of services, procedures, and protocols to support students with disabilities who have mental health needs and their families. This position is responsible for coordinating mental health services and prevention efforts, as well as overseeing comprehensive support for students with disabilities with mental health challenges, chronic stress, and trauma. Work is guided by and must be in compliance with federal and state statutes and regulations. Employee must exercise considerable independent judgment and initiative in the performance of assignments. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• Considerable knowledge of federal and state statutes and regulations regarding provision of services to students with disabilities. 
• Considerable knowledge of the ABSS and School Board policies, procedures and standards regarding students with disabilities. 
• Considerable knowledge of and experience with mental health agencies, supports, and therapeutic settings. 
• Considerable knowledge of students with disabilities. 
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of testing and interpretation of test data. 
• Working knowledge of the principles of supervision, organization and administration. 
• General knowledge of the ethical guidelines applicable to the position as outlined by professional organizations and/or federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations. 
• Effective oral and writing skills and strong understanding of using data to drive decisions. 
• Positive attitude and strong interpersonal skills and ability to connect with others. 
• Skill in providing leadership and strong organizational skills. 
• Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs and make recommendations for improvement. 
• Ability to work and communicate with diverse groups and organizations. 
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in determining eligibility, type of services to be provided, and placement of students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. 
• Ability to coordinate, develop, and conduct presentations. 

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE 

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related field, 
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. 
• Background and experience in mental health services and working with students with disabilities preferred.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS 

• Must possess a valid driver’s license issued by the NC Department of Motor Vehicles
• Must be licensed in the State of North Carolina in social work, counseling, psychology or in a related teaching area

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Ensures the implementation of required policies and procedures affecting students and/or in need intervention support. 
• Coordinates training, support staff in recognizing and addressing trauma. 
• Responds to mental health crises and provide direct support to students. 
• Provides linkages to mental health resources. 
• Assists in the collection and analysis of data needed for the purpose of planning, reporting, securing services, and making decisions. 
• Coordinates the provision of technical assistance to assigned schools including needed staff development. 
• Facilitates the dissemination of best practices regarding behavioral and mental health supports. 
• Establishes and maintains an on-going system of communication with school personnel and parents. 
• Serves as a resource for principals, teachers, school staff and families regarding students with significant mental health needs.
• Provides recommendations, strategies and community resources to staff and families.
• Provide individual and small group counseling sessions for students focused on cognitive thinking; intervention; mindfulness; and effective coping skills for identified students.
• Provide counseling sessions for students on all levels (elementary, middle, and high school)
• Facilitate parent conferences/Child and Family Team Meetings and assist in providing local resources.
• Assists with data collection fo rthe PRC-029 grant.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Exceptional Children or designee.

DISCLAIMER:  The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position.  They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills that may be required of the employees assigned to this position.  This description may be revised by the supervisor, with HR review and approval, any time.