What are the responsibilities and job description for the School-Based Mental Health Professional (Anticipated) position at State College Area School District?
The School-Based Mental Health Professional provides comprehensive mental health services to students within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. This role focuses on prevention, early identification, and intervention to support students’ social, emotional, and behavioral well-being, ensuring equitable access to supports that promote academic success and overall wellness. The position may be filled by a qualified School Social Worker, School Counselor, or Licensed Mental Health Clinician, depending on credentials and District needs.
Key Responsibilities:
MTSS Implementation & Tiered Supports
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Deliver mental health services across all tiers of the MTSS framework:
- Tier 1: Promote school-wide social-emotional learning (SEL), prevention programming, and positive school climate initiatives.
- Tier 2: Provide targeted group interventions based on identified student needs.
- Tier 3: Deliver individualized, intensive mental health interventions and support plans.
- Participate in MTSS and problem-solving teams to analyze student data and guide intervention planning.
- Use data-driven decision-making to monitor student progress and adjust supports.
Direct Student Services
- Conduct mental health screenings, risk assessments, and functional behavioral assessments as appropriate.
- Provide individual and group counseling addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, social skills, and behavioral concerns.
- Support crisis intervention, including de-escalation, safety planning, and post-crisis follow-up.
- Collaborate with students to build coping, self-regulation, and resilience skills.
Collaboration & Consultation
- Collaborate with teachers, administrators, families, and related service providers to support student success.
- Provide consultation and coaching to school staff on trauma-informed practices, behavior strategies, and SEL integration.
- Coordinate with community agencies and outside providers to support continuity of care.
- Facilitate family engagement and provide resources to caregivers.
Prevention & School Climate
- Support the implementation of evidence-based SEL programs and PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports).
- Contribute to the development of a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive school environment.
- Deliver classroom lessons or workshops on mental health topics, coping strategies, and social skills.
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with district policies, ethical standards, and legal requirements (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA, where applicable).
- Develop and monitor intervention plans, behavior plans, and documentation aligned with MTSS processes.
- Participate in evaluations, IEP/504 meetings (if applicable), and other interdisciplinary teams.
Education & Certification
Candidates must meet one of the following:
- Master’s degree in Social Work School Social Worker certification or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Master’s degree in School Counseling School Counselor certification
- Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field active clinical license (e.g., LPC, LMFT)
- Holding an active PA certification from PDE in these areas is preferred
Preferred Qualifications / Skills & Competencies:
Experience working with children and adolescents in school or clinical settings, including individual and group counseling. Knowledge of MTSS, RTI, PBIS, and SEL frameworks, with training in trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices. Demonstrated ability to use data for progress monitoring and decision-making. Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively on multidisciplinary teams. Skilled in crisis management, problem-solving, and maintaining confidentiality, with a commitment to equity and inclusion and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
If you have a desire to engage with the community and grow with our positive learning environment while striving for academic success, then please submit your application materials online. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Credentials will be reviewed beginning July 24, 2026.
The State College Area School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.