Mental Health Guidance Counselor (1099)

The dePaul School for Dyslexia is a specialized, independent school dedicated to the education of children in 1st-8th grades with dyslexia and related language-based difficulties, with the primary goal of enabling these students to achieve academic and personal success.

The dePaul School embraces a school-wide vision and commitment to the following core values:

RESPECT the child - showing understanding and acceptance of their challenges.

TEACH the child – with, research-based proven curriculum and methodologies.

CHALLENGE the child - to meet their potential, setting appropriate expectations.

INSPIRE the child - promoting strengths, fostering creativity and building self-confidence through praise and encouragement.

The dePaul School Fast Facts:

• Founded in Clearwater in 1983
• Independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
• Full-time day school for students in 1st - 8th grades
• Signature Orton-Gillingham based remediation methodology, dePaul Structured Linguistics (DPSL)
• Appropriately leveled and paced classes and workload
• Compassionate and challenging environment
• Small class sizes (Max 12)
  
  

Job Description

Title: School Guidance Counselor

A School Guidance Counselor plays an important role in promoting a positive and safe environment in an educational institution. This position requires an individual with strong interpersonal skills and extensive knowledge of counseling and guidance theory and best practices. To ensure student academic, social and emotional success, the School Guidance Counselor will provide a range of services including individual and group counseling, conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and training. With a combination of understanding, empathy, and knowledge of the subject matter, the School Guidance Counselor can help shape a school's atmosphere and have a direct and profound impact on student development.

Responsibilities:

• Provide individual and group counseling services to students.
• Address behavioral issues and provide crisis intervention when necessary.
• Collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to support student success.
• Coordinate and implement prevention programs related to bullying, substance abuse, and mental health.
• Offer resources and referrals to external support services.
• Support students in developing social skills and managing peer relationships.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of student interactions.
• Participate in continuing education and professional development opportunities.
• Advocate for student needs within the school community.
• Train teaching staff on reporting, ethics, behavior (annually during Aug pre planning)
  
  

Qualifications:

Required:

• Licensed as a mental health therapist (LMHC, LMFT, LCSW)
• Masters or Doctorate degree in Counseling or Education
• Experience working with school age children and their parents in mental health and/or school setting
• Professional Liability Insurance (unless the school insurance will cover them)
• Experience assessing risk issues with children and teens; crisis intervention
  
  

Preferred:

• Experience in working in / with / or coordinating with school settings
• Experience teaching social skills, coping skills to children individually and in groups
• Experience providing Parenting support
• Experience setting up and supporting behavior management and interventions
• Experience working with children with special needs such as learning disabilities
  
  

Details:

• Contract (1099)
• 8 hrs per week on average