Mental Health Professional

JOB CLASSIFICATION / WORK EXPECTATIONS:            

SALARY RANGE: $50,000-$70,000

The Mental Health Professional is a full time, exempt position. Employees in this position follow the Academic Year Calendar for HOPE’s Instructional staff, as determined annually. The expected workday is to be on site 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the Learning Center’s operational hours, if based in one Learning Center. 

This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities or aspects of the job described and may be amended at any time at the discretion of HOPE’s management. 

SUMMARY:

The Mental Health Professional addresses the social well-being of students in grades 6-12, working with both the general student population and students whose needs are identified in an Individualized Learning Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan. The Mental Health Professional provides information and counseling to help students, parents and school staff work together to solve problems by communicating and providing referrals to other resources and develops and promotes good community relations among HOPE, Learning Center and community clientele.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Priority Area:  Student Case Management

90%

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide mental health to students (both special and general education) using a three tier model including individual, group and instructional support. 
• Consult with parents and school personnel to address student social and emotional issues. Assist families in understanding mental health issues and accessing community agencies and resources. 
• Provide mental health crisis intervention at assigned Learning Centers including suicide and threat assessments. 
• Maintain accurate and up to date records of students whether direct or indirect services. Information will be documented as required by the school and authorizing school district. Create, organize and update case history records and prepare reports, according to deadlines. 
• Conduct Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) and develop Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) as required for students Develop behavior plans for students struggling with emotional regulation. 
• Deliver professional development on mental health topics including trauma, poverty, mental health issues and effective practice to support student success including coaching staff on appropriate responses to mental health issues. 
• Complete required assessment, interviews and observations, complete paperwork and participate in IEP/504 meetings as required students with disabilities or those suspected of having a disability 
• Serve as a liaison between students, homes, schools, family services, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and other contacts. 
• Provide support and coaching to improve classroom management and student engagement. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Priority Area: Lead by exemplifying professionalism and commitment to community

10%

Duties and Responsibilities

• Adjusts practice and prioritization of other tasks based on the needs of the Learning Center and HOPE.
• Sets personal goals related to student engagement outcomes and seeks opportunities to improve personal professional practice through professional development and reflection.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, LICENSURE AND RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE:

Required

• Master’s Degree 
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker - DORA, or Special Services Provider License - Social Worker - Colorado Department of Education 
• 3 years’ experience, at least two of which is working with at-risk youth in a multicultural environment  
• Comfortable working with students in grades 6-12 
• Experience supporting and providing support for diverse learners (CLD, SPED, MTSS, GT) 

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES: 

Required

• Commitment to social justice and equitable education for all and support of community based learning
• Cultural proficiency and interpersonal/relationship building skills
• Fluency and literacy in English, excellent oral and written communication 
• Excellent technology skills – Online curriculum, Google Docs, Drive and Gmail, MS Office, Student Information and learning management systems
• Proactive and detailed oriented, ability to prioritize and be self-directed
• Ability to handle multiple projects and meeting deadlines
• Flexibility to adapt to unexpected and frequent changes, based on organizational needs

Preferred

• Oral and written fluency in Spanish

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

The Mental Health Professional reports to and is evaluated by the Mental Health Coordinator with feedback from other members of the HOPE instructional team. The Mental Health Professional does not supervise any HOPE or Learning Center employees. 

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL FUNCTIONING REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to: 

• Compare, analyze, communicate, instruct, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile and negotiate
• Communicate effectively using speech and hearing
• Use near vision to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer) as required for computer use, reading and instruction 
• Use hands for extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation
• Operate office machines and computer equipment
• Be subject to standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, kneeling, climbing, balancing, stooping, pushing and pulling
• Occasionally lift objects up to 25 pounds

LOCATION, WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Work is routinely performed in an office environment with moderate noise level. This position works primarily at the HOPE Central Office in Englewood, with occasional travel to and between Learning Centers. Travel is the responsibility of the employee. Compensation for mileage is per the HOPE Mileage policy.