Position Title: Secondary Counselor with focus in Mental Health
Location: Secondary Level
Position Type: Grant-Funded Position
Note: Continuation of employment is contingent upon the availability of grant funding.

JOB SUMMARY: The School Mental Health Counselor provides direct mental health services to students to support their social, emotional, behavioral, and academic success. The counselor collaborates with school staff, families, and community agencies to identify barriers to learning, provide counseling interventions, coordinate services, and promote a positive school climate. Services are delivered in accordance with professional counseling standards, ethical guidelines, and applicable state and federal laws.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree in School Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling or related field
Valid State of Michigan Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential or eligibility for licensure
Experience providing individual and group counseling services to children and adolescents.
Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, behavioral interventions, and mental health assessment.
Ability to work effectively with students, families, staff, and community agencies.
Strong communication, consultation, and documentation skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience working in a K-12 educational setting.
Training in crisis intervention and suicide risk assessment.
Experience working with students receiving special education services.
Knowledge of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

Provide individual, group, and family-focused counseling services to students experiencing social, emotional, behavioral, or mental health concerns.
Conduct mental health screenings and assessments within the scope of professional licensure.
Develop intervention plans and monitor student progress toward identified goals.
Provide short-term, solution-focused counseling and crisis intervention services.
Support students experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, behavioral challenges, and other mental health concerns.

COLLABORATION AND CONSULTATION:

Collaborate with teachers, administrators, school social workers, psychologists, and other support staff to address student needs.
Participate in problem-solving teams, MTSS processes, student support meetings, and special education meetings as appropriate.
Consult with parents and guardians regarding student mental health concerns and available supports.
Coordinate referrals to community mental health agencies and outside service providers when needed.

CRISIS RESPONSE:

Assess and respond to mental health crises, including suicide risk, self-harm concerns, threats, and traumatic events.
Participate in district crisis response and safety planning activities.
Develop and monitor student safety plans as appropriate.
Prevention and Education
Assist in developing and implementing school-wide mental health initiatives.
Provide staff training related to student mental health, trauma-informed practices, and social-emotional learning.
Promote awareness of mental health resources and prevention strategies.

DOCUMENTATION AND COMPLIANCE:

Maintain confidential counseling records in accordance with applicable laws, ethical standards, and district procedures.
Complete required documentation, reports, and data collection activities.
Comply with mandatory reporting requirements and professional ethical standards.
Participate in professional development activities to maintain licensure and enhance professional skills.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of child and adolescent development.
Understanding of evidence-based counseling practices.
Ability to establish positive relationships with students and families.
Strong crisis assessment and intervention skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to move throughout school buildings and grounds.
Ability to communicate effectively in person, virtually, and by telephone.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Working Conditions

WORKING CONDITIONS: The employee works primarily in a school environment with frequent interaction with students, staff, parents, and community partners. The position may require responding to student crises and participating in meetings outside of regular school hours as needed.

This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but to accurately reflect the primary job elements. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this classification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and talk. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and depth perception.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION - The Parchment School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, including sexual orientation and/or transgender identity, disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information or any other legally protected category in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. Inquiries by applicants, students and/or parents/guardians relates to discrimination on the basis of disability/status should be directed to: Superintendent of the Parchment School District, 520 N. Orient Street, Parchment, MI 49004. Phone Number 269-488-1050.