Childrens Jefferson County Schools Counselor

JOB DESCRIPTION: Jefferson County School based Counselor

WORKING TITLE: Counselor

This licensed Master's Level Counselor will be serving the Jefferson County School System within the special education department and/or in the therapeutic classrooms. This counselor will provide assessment/evaluation, individual therapy and group therapy, conflict resolution and other mental health services to students being served in special education and/or the therapeutic classrooms in Jefferson County Schools, who struggle with severe emotional and/or behavioral problems that are interfering with their functioning at school and/or home. This counselor will also provide a referral source within the Jefferson County School System for mental health consultations.

Supervised By: Director of Children’s Services

Division: Children's Services

Normal Working Hours/Days: Monday-Friday 8-5 with flexibility to meet client/family need.

Primary Job Functions

Responsible for interviewing, evaluating and assessing for mental health and other appropriate needs of children/families.

Responsible for properly assessing the unmet needs of the target population and devising an individualized service plan for each client.

Collaborates closely with the staff of the Jefferson County School System, as well as other community resources, in order to provide or access appropriate services to meet the needs of the target population (mental health services, school/special education service, etc.)

Responsible for individual, group and family therapy with emphasis on behavior modification, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Strategic Family Therapy, parent education and other therapeutic approaches as appropriate to treatment needs.

Provides accurate documentation of charts on a daily basis, including clinical assessments, case plans, treatment plans, referrals, data collections, case reviews and follow up tracking.

Responsible for providing and presenting clinical assessments and treatment goals at weekly staffings with supervisor.

Provides transportation to children and families when appropriate.

Performs other administrative duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in psychology, social work or counseling with an emphasis on clinical service for children and adolescents

Two years’ experience working with children/adolescents with a serious emotional disturbance and their families in a community and/or school setting with an emphasis on clinical services is preferred. State licensure is preferred (LICSW, LPC, LMFT).

Valid Alabama driver's license and driving record acceptable to agency automobile insurance carrier for inclusion on agency policy. Suitable automobile to permit the required travel. Must show and maintain car insurance equal to or in excess of the State of Alabama standards for automobile insurance coverage.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the special needs and behavioral characteristics of children/adolescents with a serious emotional disturbance and their families.

Knowledge of psychotherapy principals and techniques.

Knowledge of psychotropic medications, including their uses and side effects.

Knowledge of special education services in the schools

Ability to perform individual, group and family therapy to include behavior modification, parent education and problem-solving skills.

Ability to make clinical decisions/recommendations in crisis situations regarding children/adolescents with a serious emotional disturbance and their families.

Ability to communicate effectively with a multi-disciplinary team to include Department of Human Resources, Juvenile Probation Office/ Family Court, School Staff, and other mental health professionals.

Demonstrate communication skills- both expressive and written.

Ability to organize and manage one’s own activities with a minimum of direct supervision.

Ability to utilize technology to complete electronic medical records

Ability to work flexible hours due to the special needs of the target population and their families.

Participate on a rotation 24 hour on call roster.