Mental Health Counselor

Best to apply by 4/25/2026

The job of Mental Health Counselor is done for the purpose/s of working within the True North Student Assistance Program providing services that include prevention, intervention, treatment, and referral services to students and their families who are impacted by behavioral health conditions; and assisting in the development of a safe and positive learning environment for learning and teaching.

This position may be scheduled for 180-260 days/year, 8 hours/day. Work calendar is Monday- Friday.

This position is located in Thurston County, WA.

Benefits may include Medical/Dental/Vision, Life/AD&D insurance, FSA/DCAP, LTD insurance, Retirement/DCP, EAP, Annual/Sick Leave/Personal Leave Days and Holiday Pay.

Required attachments: Transcript, Resume and Cover Letter

Please see the job description below for a list of Essential Functions.

Purpose Statement

The job of Mental Health Counselor is done for the purpose/s of working within the True North Student Assistance Program providing services that include prevention, intervention, treatment, and referral services to students and their families who are impacted by behavioral health conditions; and assisting in the development of a safe and positive learning environment for learning and teaching.

Essential Functions

Clinical Services Conducts a variety of actions (e.g. screenings, assessments,counseling, etc.) for the purpose of identifying and addressing mental health issues while in compliance with applicable laws, True North policies, and performance standards.

Education and Outreach Educates school staff, students, and parents on a variety of programs and services (e.g. mental wellness awareness programs, individual and family counseling services, crisis intervention, etc.) for the purpose of increasing awareness, identifying issues, providing referral, and coordinating service delivery.

Campus Presence Establishes a visible, accessible presence on campus at assigned locations for the purpose of increasing student awareness and identification of mental health issues.

Group Facilitation Facilitates motivational enhancement and cognitive behavioral therapy groups for the purpose of resolving identified mental health conditions and following applicable laws, True North policies, and performance standards.

Record Keeping Maintains electronic health records and clinical files for the purpose of documenting therapeutic activities in compliance with federal, state, and program requirements.

Committee Participation Participates in a variety of committees and activities (e.g. Student Assistance Teams, CORE, re-entry conferences, assessment reviews, etc.) for the purpose of providing information in the area of behavioral health prevention, intervention, and treatment.

Administrative Functions Performs record keeping, data entry, and clerical functions (e.g. student records, program materials, scheduling, etc.) for the purpose of providing records/materials necessary for program success.

Professional Practice Practices within the scope of their credential for the purpose of practicing in accordance with WA state laws and agency requirements. Mental health staff practice under a fully licensed Mental Health Professional.

Inquiry Response Responds to inquiries for the purpose of solving problems and providing information and referral.

Systems Liaison Serves as a liaison between the school and other systems partners (e.g. juvenile justice, substance use treatment, crisis services, etc.) for the purpose of facilitating student support services, continuity of care and communication between participants.

Evidence-Based Practice Utilizes evidenced-based and promising practices (e.g. CBT, EMDR, TRAILS, motivational interviewing, etc.) for the purpose of providing effective behavioral health interventions.

Other Functions

Personnel Assistance Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.

Related Duties Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge Required Knowledge is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: state and federal confidentiality laws; generally accepted mental health assessment, intervention, treatment and recovery process for adolescents and families; mental health counseling and promotion; physical and emotional development of adolescents; and behavioral health issues.

Skills Required Skills are required to perform single, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records/case management; and utilizing group presentation skills.

Abilities Required Ability is required to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; often gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of varied types and/or purposes; and utilize job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate.

Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups in a nonjudgmental manner; working flexible hours; displaying patience and a sense of humor; understanding verbal input and responding quickly; maintaining confidentiality; promoting a caring and cooperative workplace where human dignity is respected, professional satisfactions is promoted, and positive relationships are developed and sustained.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized routines; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization's services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 70% sitting, 15% walking, 15% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Education and Experience Requirements

Experience: Job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is desired.

Education: Bachelor's degree in job related area.

Equivalency: Note: Job Title and Range is based on highest degree and/or license

Mental Health Counselor I, Range 45: BA- Agency Affiliated Counselor

Mental Health Counselor II, Range 52: MA- Agency Affiliated Counselor with MHP Status Associate MH License (LMHCA, LICSWA, LMFTA, etc) MA- MH License (LMHC, LICSW, LMFT, etc)

Position Information

FLSA Status: Non Exempt

Approval Date: 02/03/2023

Pay Grade: (Varies by position level)

Required Testing, Certificates and Licenses

Required Testing:

None Specified

Certificates and Licenses:

Required MH License for positions

Continuing Education and Training:

Maintain required certificates and licenses.

Clearances:

Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance
TB Clearance
WA State Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Release

Capital Region ESD 113 is an Equal Opportunity Employer

ESD 113 - Mental Health Counselor (Thurston County)