Mental Health Professional – Intern (190 Days)*****

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary:

The Mental Health Professional works collaboratively with staff, parents, and students to implement comprehensive mental health and behavioral support services. The Mental Health Professional utilizes evidence-based practices, in response to identified student needs and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) while working with others to align the efforts of educators, caregivers, community agencies, or other service providers in meeting behavioral support goals.

Essential Functions:

The following essential functions are common to all Mental Health Professionals although the application of such may vary by worksite, or due to the level of student developmental abilities/issues.

• Provides mental health behavioral support for students in an education setting.
• Helps students to more effectively understand and manage emotions and behaviors through the implementation of Cognitive Behavioral and/or other evidence-based practices.
• Works collaboratively with school counseling, administrators, educators and specialists to develop and implement effective behavioral/emotional support plans for students, to include participating in IEP planning or consultations as needed.
• Creates Mental Health Treatment Plans in support of student behavioral health goals.
• Assess student’s strengths and needs using applicable screening tools.
• May provide support to students individually and in the classroom setting. Delivers positive and relevant instruction and feedback to students.
• Measures student progress towards goals.
• Works with student’s caregivers and support team members to develop continuity and alignment in behavioral health goals.
• When designated, provides case management and serves as a contact for other agencies and service providers interacting with specific students.
• Serves as a member or the IEP and/or school based teams as appropriate and other staff/consultation meetings.
• Provides individual and/or group counseling services to students as determined necessary and appropriate according to the treatment plan and/or the IEP.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of the field of assignment sufficient to perform completely and accurately the full scope of responsibility as illustrated by example in this position description.
• Familiarity with Community and/or Education-based Mental Health treatment programs.
• Knowledge of effective techniques used in the assessment of students with social/emotional development and educational difficulties or at-risk behaviors.
• General and special education principles and practices.
• Knowledge of individual, group, crisis counseling/consultation practices and procedures.
• Experience with effective strategies to manage and change student behavior consistent with program expectations and procedures.
• Knowledge of basic computer programs in order to complete assigned reports and record keeping.
• Knowledge of evidence-based programs and practices for high-risk/emotionally and behaviorally challenged students.
• Knowledge of effective team processing, leadership, and decision-making techniques.
• Ability to utilize standardized and formative assessments to evaluate students’ social-emotional development and assist teachers and parents or caregivers in providing appropriate support.
• Ability to promote positive public relations between the school, staff, students, parents, and community.
• Ability to work collaboratively and coordinate with service agencies, school district administrators/staff, and other support agencies that may have direct and/or indirect impact on individual student needs.
• Ability to problem-solve, intervene responsibly, and constructively manage crisis and high stress situations.
• Ability to work independently using effective time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written format.

Qualifications:

Master’s degree or higher in related field required. Must be eligible for a Washington State Licensed Mental Health Clinician (LMHC), Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Psychologist, Associate, or equivalent license.  Child Mental Health Specialist (CMHS) preferred. Five or more years of experience working with diverse school-aged youth affected by mental health, educational, family and societal challenges in an educational, clinical, residential or similar setting required. Must have valid Washington State driver’s license. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed approximately 80% indoors within a controlled environment and 20% traveling within assigned geographic areas of NWESD region to complete essential functions and position requirements. Evenings and some weekends required.  Lifts and carries a maximum of 30 pounds. Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. May be called to assist with the physical restraint of students at Discovery worksite locations.

Hazards:  Due to the nature of the population of the school, hazards include but are not limited to exposure to weapons, threats, verbal abuse, hitting, fighting, throwing of objects, etc.  May be required to deal with distraught individuals.

Classification: Professional/Technical, Cert, Classified, etc.
FLSA Status: Exempt (less than full time status may result in non-exempt status)
Salary Range:
Schedule III, Range 2 (Intern), Non-exempt
Schedule III, Range 9 (Associate), Exempt
Schedule III, Range 14b (Licensed), Exempt

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.