School Counselor - School-Based Mental Health Focused

The Black Horse Pike Regional School District has and anticipated opening for a School-Based Mental Health Focused Counselor at Timber Creek High School QUALIFICATIONS: Valid New Jersey Certificate for School Counselor and/or Student Assistance Coordinator Endorsement. Preferred to hold one or more of the following: LPC, LMFT, LCSW, LSW, LAC. At least 2 years' experience in working with children/youth in the mental health field. Experience in establishing long term, mutually beneficial partnerships with other service providers. Strong teamwork and leadership skills; ability to think critically, creatively and strategically to promote quality programming and growth. Ability to work effectively with students, staff, parents, outside agencies, and community groups. JOB GOAL: To provide mental health counseling and referrals while effectively working with culturally diverse students, parents, school administration, school counseling team and other stakeholders, referral sources, and community partners, care management organization (CMO), hospitals, Mobile Response, DCP&P. REPORTS TO: The Director of Counseling PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES Deliver the school counseling core curriculum that proactively enhances awareness of mental health; promotes positive, healthy behaviors; and seeks to remove the stigma associated with mental health issues. Provide responsive services including internal and external referral procedures, short-term counseling or crisis intervention focused on mental health or situational (e.g. grief, difficult transitions) concerns with the intent of helping the student return to the classroom and removing barriers to learning. Recognize warning signs: changes in school performance (changes in grades, attendance), mood changes, complaining of illness before school, increased disciplinary problems at school, experiencing problems at home or family situation (stress, trauma, divorce, substance abuse, exposure to poverty conditions domestic violence), communication from teachers about problems at school, and dealing with existing mental health concerns. Provide school-based prevention and universal interventions and targeted interventions for students with mental health and behavioral health concerns. Provide students with individual planning addressing their academic, career and social/emotional (including mental health) needs. Educate teachers, administrators, parents/guardians, and community stakeholders about the mental health concerns of students, including recognition of the role environmental factors have in causing or exacerbating mental health issues and provide resources and information. Advocate, collaborate and coordinate with school and community stakeholders to ensure that students and their families have access to mental health services. Recognize and address barriers to access mental health services and the associated stigma, including cultural and linguistic impediments. Adhere to appropriate guidelines regarding confidentiality, the distinction between public and private information and consultation. Direct students and parents to school and/or community resources for additional assistance through referrals that treat mental health issues (suicidal ideation, violence, abuse and depression). Assist with HIB investigations and programming to prevent HIB behaviors. Attend required trainings regarding Anti-bullying law and other state mandates that impact students and their mental health. Help identify and address students' mental health issues while working within the ASCA's Ethical Standards; Competencies for School Counselors; and national, state and local legislation (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), which guide school counselors' informed decision-making and standardize professional practice to protect both the student and school counselor. Seek to continually update their professional knowledge regarding the students' social/emotional needs. EVALUATION In accordance with State Statute and Rule and Board of Education Policy based upon the list of Performance Responsibilities. Evaluated by the Director of Counseling and/or School/District Administration. PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT Employment shall be for a ten-month period, and as per negotiated Agreement between the Black Horse Pike Education Association and the Board of Education, Board of Education Policy, Law, and past practices. Salary based on education and experience on the BHPEA Salary Guide - $60,500 - $102,350. This position includes the following: Health Benefits, Dental Benefits, EAP Services, Access to Wellness and Discount Programs