School Mental Health Therapist

Educational Service Unit #3

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Educational Service Unit #3, is searching for a caring bilingual Mental Health Professional (Spanish/English) to join our team to provide a full continuum of comprehensive school mental health services. School Mental Health Therapists promote a tiered-model of support, working in a fast paced, dynamic and rewarding school environment. Candidates must be highly collaborative, excellent communicators, be team oriented, and have strong organizational skills. Salary for this full time, 200 work day position is negotiable based upon education, licensure (PLMHP, MPHP, LIMHP, LCSW, Licensed Psychologist), and experience, ranging from $52,000-$68,000.  Benefits for this position include:  employer paid health and dental insurance, participation in the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement System, paid sick leave, and a flexible and family-friendly work environment.  

Please see the accompanying job description for details and apply today!

Qualified applicants should apply online and contact Jen Pollock with questions about the position at jpollock@esu3.org.

Position: School Mental Health Therapist

Job Code:  7552

Department: Student Services

Number of Days Worked:  200 days, Fulltime

FLSA Status:  Exempt

Immediate Supervisor:  School Mental Health Program Coordinator, Executive Director of Student Services

Staff Supervised:  None

General Responsibilities: The School Mental Health Professional, in accordance with ESU #3 policy and procedures, is responsible for providing services and support to assigned students and schools at the designated locations.

Essential Requirements: 

1. No history of child abuse or negligence.

2. Current Nebraska licensure/certification in one of the following area(s):  Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP, PLMHP, LIMHP) Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW), Clinical Social Work (CSW), Licensed Psychologist, or Licensed Educational Psychologist.  

3. Successfully pass required background checks.

4. Regular and dependable in person attendance is required and is considered a condition of employment. The assigned duties of this position may allow consideration of occasional/infrequent remote work with the approval of the supervisor. Remote work is subject to the remote work guidelines and conditions outlined in the job description. The supervisor may withdraw the remote work option at any time.

Preferred Experiences, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Experience in the provision of mental health services and consultation. 

2. Trained in, or willing to be trained in evidence-based practices such as Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, QPR, etc.

3. Coursework and professional experience that indicate knowledge of mental health counseling, group and individual psychotherapy, diagnosis, and treatment of major mental disorders and/or psychological evaluation techniques

4. Experience working with diverse populations

5. Ability to work both independently and with limited supervision

6. Ability to work well with others and to collaborate with school and community personnel

7. Skills in problem solving, crisis intervention, organization and time management

8. Ability to communicate effectively and express ideas clearly both verbally and in writing

9. Proficiency in a variety of computer software applications, including but not limited to Google, Microsoft Office, email, and online applications

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Provides direct mental health services in a school-based setting to include intake assessment, individual/group therapy, and crisis interventions to assigned students.

2. Assists school counselors, school psychologists or other school professionals with coordinating interventions with students, acting as intervention specialist.

3. Maintains regular contact with the parent/guardian of each client.

4. Provide follow-up and assist in implementation of reintegration plans for students who are returning to school from hospitalization and/or facility stays.

5. Furnishes complete, accurate and timely required reports and/or documentation required for insurance billing.

6.  Furnishes complete, accurate and timely required reports and/or documentation required to NDHHS, legal system, and other involved agencies, as appropriate.

7. Participates in meetings as necessary (trainings, IEPs, community forums, etc.)

8. Provides consultation for school staff regarding mental health issues including classroom observation and appropriate service determination as appropriate.

9. Enhances the awareness of mental health needs, services, and promotes community understanding of mental health.  Enhances community response to mental health issues.

10. Provides appropriate in-service training to school staff.

11. Develops support groups for students, as needed.

12. Participates in the collection of mental health information and student outcomes data to be used for monitoring the overall performance and effectiveness of services provided and program development.

13. Is familiar with disciplinary guidelines and student code of conduct in each district that is served.

14. Understands special education regulatory requirements and assists with process as appropriate.

15. Refer students with critical needs in consultation with their parents, to appropriate community resources. Use an effective referral process for assisting students and families to use special programs and services. 

16. Consult and coordinate with school district professionals and community agencies, such as school psychologists, nurses, administrators, service agencies, and physicians. Fosters effective communication with students, parents, and other staff members.

17. Complies with all federal and state regulations for privacy and confidentiality to student information and maintains required data. 

18. Complete required information for any Medicaid eligibility, funding, or compliance paperwork.

19. Advocate for students and families.

20. Demonstrate professional conduct and pursue professional growth.

21. Understand and comply with the ESU #3 Board of Education Personnel Policies and Employee Handbook.

22. Communicate any concerns or needs to the School Mental Health Program Coordinator and/or Executive Director of Student Services.

23. Provide own transportation to fulfill responsibilities of position.

24. Perform other duties as assigned.

At Will Employment: Employment with ESU #3 is not for any period of time, and employment may be terminated at any time at the convenience of the terminating party, with or without cause, and with or without notice.  Employment with ESU #3 is not governed by any express or implied contract of employment containing terms different from or inconsistent with those stated in this job description.  The terms of this job description may not be modified except in a writing signed by the ESU #3 CEO.