Outreach Counselor

Outreach counselors provide professional expertise in the area of mental health and assist in relieving the challenges students face that may interfere with school success.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Using a trauma-informed approach, provides responsive services to individual students in order to attain good mental health. Maintains knowledge of and communication with appropriate community agencies and services. Assists with coordination of and referral to services with mental health/social service agencies. Assists with consistent implementation of positive behavior supports and assists with individual student behavior/success plans. Participates in student mediation and conflict resolution, which includes utilizing de-escalation strategies. Assists with identifying, planning, and presenting building-wide professional development. Provides supportive consultation services to school personnel as needed. Utilizes data to develop support groups for students and resources for school-based services. Conducts self-harm assessments and intervenes as appropriate. Assists building principals with threat assessments, focusing on the mental health needs of students. Assists with parent communications/personal connections to address student/family needs. Collaborates with district outreach team regularly and engages in continuing professional development to maintain licensure.

Performs other duties as necessary to support the mission and vision of Columbia Public Schools.

DISTRICT EXPECTATIONS

 All employees of the District are expected to adhere to the policies and regulations of the Board of Education, maintain appropriate certification and competencies necessary for the position, and demonstrate the values of the district at all times. .

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To: Building Administrator

Supervises: None

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum: Must hold the LMSW, LCSW, or LPC. PLPCs considered.

Preferred: Prior experience working with students with emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges in a school setting.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

ADA REQUIREMENTS

Language: Read, analyze and interpret professional journals, Board policy, administrative procedures and forms and governmental regulations and guidance; Complete forms, write reports and engage in written correspondence; present information effectively and respond to questions; Speak to students and parents in groups of various sizes, as well as engage in one-on-one communication; Demonstrate excellent listening, interpersonal, and non-verbal communication skills.

Computation : Work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference; Apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning:  Solve a variety of problems in many different situations; Interpret instructions presented in written, oral, diagram or schedule form; Apply knowledge of current educational theory and instructional techniques when presenting subject matter to students; Draw reasoned conclusions and make professional recommendations supported by data and research; Demonstrate executive functions such as planning, organizing, remember and regulating information and behavior as they pertain to student performance and achievement.

Other skills and Abilities: Identify needs and abilities of individual students; Establish and maintain effective relationships with students, staff, parents, and administrators; Perform multiple tasks simultaneously; Maintain confidentiality of student information

Technology: Perform basic computer functions such as word processing and internet use; Use district software, including smart boards, projectors and other instructional technology provided by the district.

Physical Demands: Must have the ability to speak and hear in a typical school environment, which is often noisy and active; Must be able to read handwritten or printed material.

Attendance: Consistent and regular attendance is an essential function of this position.

Conditions and Environment: The individual who holds this position will regularly work in a school environment that is frequently noisy and active. 

Prospective and current employees with disabilities are encouraged to contact human resources to discuss reasonable accommodations to perform the essential job functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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