Job Description

School-Based Social Worker / Mental Health Counselor

Clark Advanced Learning Center | Indian River State College

Be the reason a student feels supported, understood, and able to move forward.

At Indian River State College, we know that student success is about more than academics—it’s about feeling safe, supported, and empowered. At Clark Advanced Learning Center, our students are navigating real challenges, and we’re looking for a compassionate, skilled Social Worker / Mental Health Counselor to meet them where they are.

In this role, you won’t just provide counseling—you’ll build trust, create safe spaces, and help students develop the resilience they need to succeed in school and in life.

What We Offer

At Indian River State College, we value the well-being and professional growth of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, supplemental plans, and access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Affordable Coverage: PPO/HMO options starting at just $50/month for individual coverage and $180/month for family coverage.
• Retirement Security: Participation in the Florida Retirement System (FRS), plus tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) options.
• Time for You: Generous paid vacation, personal, and sick leave to support work-life balance.
• Perks & Discounts: Reduced rates on services and tickets to local attractions.
• Growth & Development: Professional development programs, leadership training, and opportunities to advance your career.

JOB SUMMARY:

Under minimal supervision, the school-based social worker/mental health counselor plays a crucial role in promoting the emotional and social well-being of students within an educational setting. Works collaboratively with educators, administrators, parents, and community resources to support students facing various challenges that may hinder their academic success and overall development. Focuses on providing counseling services, intervention strategies, resiliency/prevention psychoeducational activities, and advocacy to address the diverse needs of students. Plans and provides counseling services to high school students. Collaborates with faculty, staff, administration, parents, and students for student success. Maintains regularly scheduled time to meet with students and families. Assists students in building resiliency skills through group and individual psychoeducational sessions. Assists in the collection and use of student data. Informs parents/guardians of student progress and seeking their assistance in meeting student needs.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES:

• Individual Counseling: Conducts one-on-one counseling sessions with students to address emotional, behavioral, and social concerns. Assesses and evaluates students' mental health needs and develop personalized intervention plans. Provides therapeutic interventions and evidence-based strategies to support students in managing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health issues. Monitors progress and adjust intervention plans as needed.

• Group Counseling: Facilitates group counseling sessions to address common issues among students, such as peer relationships, anger management, grief, and self-esteem. Creates a safe and supportive environment for students to share their experiences, build coping skills, and develops positive peer connections.

• Crisis Intervention: Responds to crisis situations within the school environment, including incidents of self-harm, suicidal ideation, or emotional distress. Provides immediate support and intervention to students in crisis, collaborates with school staff and mental health professionals to ensure appropriate follow-up care. (5%)

• Psychoeducation and Prevention: Delivers psychoeducational presentations and workshops on topics related to mental health, coping skills, conflict resolution, and resilience. Develops prevention programs aimed at promoting mental wellness, bullying prevention, substance abuse prevention, and other relevant issues affecting students.

• Collaboration and Consultation: Collaborates with teachers, school administrators, and support staff to address the social and emotional needs of students within the school environment. Consults with parents/guardians to provide support, guidance, and resources for addressing their child's mental health concerns. Coordinate with external agencies, community organizations, and mental health providers to connect students and families with additional support services as needed.

• Documentation and Record Keeping: Maintains accurate and confidential records of counseling sessions, assessments, and interventions according to professional and legal standards. Prepares reports and documentation for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 plans, and other relevant student support plans.

• Professional Development: Stays updated on best practices, research, and trends in school-based mental health counseling through ongoing professional development activities, workshops, and conferences. Obtains and maintains relevant certifications and licensures as required by state regulations.

• Completes all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field.

• State licensure or certification as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), or equivalent credential preferred.

• Experience working with children and adolescents in a school or clinical setting.

• Knowledge of counseling theories, assessment techniques, and evidence-based interventions for addressing mental health issues in children and adolescents.

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.

• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and engage with diverse populations.

• Commitment to maintaining ethical standards and confidentiality in accordance with professional guidelines.

• Flexibility to adapt to the dynamic needs of the school environment and respond effectively to crisis situations.

• Proficiency in using technology for documentation, communication, and data management.

• Ability to function effectively with multiple priorities.

• Requires occasional evening, weekend or other flexible scheduling of duties as specified by the Clark Advanced Learning Center’s Executive Director/Principal or designee.

• Typical working hours for this position are: Monday through Friday between 7:30 am to 3:30 pm.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position requires an ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time and to present verbal lectures/demonstrations, walk, bend, lift, reach up, stoop, and carry items occasionally in excess of twenty-five (25) pounds. Some lifting of computer and electronic equipment may be required. It also requires manual dexterity to operate standard office machines, such as, copier, fax, calculator, telephone, and other equipment as necessary. IRSC expects its employees to follow proper safety standards while employed by the College.

This description is intended to indicate typical kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as declaring every specific duty and responsibility of the particular position. This job description is not intended to be a contract for employment, and the employer reserves the right to make any necessary revisions to the job description at any time without notice.

** Please see the link to the Care Provider Background Screening Clearing House Education and Awareness website. https://info.flclearinghouse.com

Classification

Supervisory

FLSA Exempt

Employment Type

Compensation and Application Deadline