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Mental Health Specialist

Employer
Alexandria City Public Schools
Location
Alexandria, VA, US
Salary
Competitive

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Job Details

Job Description:

The Mental Health Specialist, through the lens of anti-racism and equity, supports the provision of mental health services across the school division. The specialist leads programmatic efforts through the MTSS Tier 1 and/or Tier 2 social-emotional curriculum and interventions across the division and serves as a representative of ACPS in collaborations with community partners. The specialist provides professional development to staff regarding school-based strategies to promote the improved social/emotional and behavioral functioning of students. This job reports to the Office of Equity and Alternative Programs in the Department of Student Services and Equity.

Qualifications:

Education: Master's Degree in Counseling, Psychology, or Social Work

Certificates & Licenses: Virginia education licensure in school counseling, school social work, or school psychology required; additional clinical mental health licensing preferred (e.g. LPC, LCP, LCSW)

Experience: Progressive experience supporting school mental health and wellness in educational settings

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Possess a commitment to condemning systemic racism and affirming educational equity
  • Demonstrates an understanding of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) and the role of social-emotional and academic learning within the framework
  • Possesses a knowledge of evidence-and-research based social/emotional and mental health programs and practices
  • Demonstrated understanding of PBIS and Restorative Practices preferred
  • Ability to design instruments for assessing programs and then collect and analyze data
  • Ability to design and facilitate professional development to staff
  • Ability to communicate effectively in writing
  • Ability to initiate, plan and lead division-wide programs and initiatives

Essential Functions:

  • Provide training and support to schools in order to implement Tier 1 social-emotional academic learning curriculum (e.g. RULER) and/or Tier 2 social-emotional interventions (e.g. Bounce Back, Kimochis, Social Thinking) through an anti-racist and equitable framework.
  • Compile and coordinate information to create a repository of social-emotional and academic lessons and resources in support of evidence-based programs such as RULER and in alignment to applicable events during the calendar year (e.g. Bullying Prevention Month, Mental Health Awareness Month).
  • Support the crosswalking and alignment of the CASEL Competencies, the July 2021 Virginia Social-Emotional Learning standards, and programs and pedagogies (e.g. RULER, Restorative Practices)
  • Serve as a consultant to school-based mental health providers in the provision of services.
  • Coordinate with community agencies and partners, including social service and mental health services, for the purpose of meeting the needs of ACPS students.
  • Assist with the development and implementation of evaluation measures to assess program effectiveness.
  • Support Student Services & Equity procedures and training around suicide risk and the applicable components of threat assessment.
  • Participate in meetings, workshops and seminars as assigned for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
  • Prepare a wide variety of written materials for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
  • Research resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate interventions across all tiers of MTSS.
  • Supports the provision of services across mental health specialist roles.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the department. May perform other additional duties or tasks in support of an employee group as designated by supervisor.

Clearances:

  • Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
  • Tuberculosis Skin Test.

Public Health Compliance

  • Proof of COVID vaccination. Exemptions for religious/medical will be reviewed.
  • Must follow safety and health protocols.

WP

Company

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) is one of the most diverse school systems in the country and we celebrate that diversity. Our students come from more than 128 different countries, speak more than 75 languages, and represent a rainbow of ethnic and cultural groups.

Alexandria is a historic seaport community located on the Potomac River overlooking our Nation's Capital.  Rich in history, yet firmly focused on the future, ACPS is committed to making a difference for every child.

Located just 8 miles from Washington, D. C., ACPS offers many exciting opportunities for teachers and administrators. For more information on available positions please visit:

http://www.acps.k12.va.us/hr/recruit/

and click: "vacancies"

Company info
Location
Alexandria
VA
22314
US

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