Primary Purpose

Perform counseling services to help students resolve personal, emotional, and social problems that interfere with their adjustment to school and ability to enjoy the benefits of the educational process. Provide coping strategies and proactively support students before, during, and after crisis situations. Function as part of the student services team to formulate plans with the school, students, and parents.

Qualifications

Education/Certification:

• Master’s degree in counseling or closely related field from an accredited college or university
• Valid Texas license as an independent mental health provider, including licensed professional counselor
• (LPC), licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), or master of social work (MSW)

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Training in crisis and trauma counseling
• Knowledge of individual and group counseling skills
• Strong consultation skills for conferencing with teachers, parents or guardians, and students
• Knowledge of prevention and intervention strategies, including behavior management interventions
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Ability to present information in one-on-one, small group, and large group situations to students,
• parents or guardians, and district staff
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience: 

• Three years post-license experience in assessing and providing mental health counseling services to clients experiencing social-emotional struggles, and crisis or traumatic experiences

Principal Responsibilities and Duties:

Social Work

1. Conduct individual and group counseling sessions to encourage peer support and enhance the social development of students including developing the ability to accept responsibility for their actions, resolve conflicts, develop decision-making skills, and handle crises. Work with students to improve attendance. 
2. Provide crisis support and individual, group, and family mental health counseling to students, parents, and school staff.
3. Perform casework services to increase parents’ or guardians’ understanding and constructive participation in addressing their child’s needs and knowledge and use of available and appropriate resources relating to traumatic experiences or any other social-emotional struggles a child may be experiencing.
4. Provide rationally competent, evidence-based interventions and recovery services.
5. Coordinate and integrate school and community resources and refer students, parents, and staff to community resources where appropriate.
6. Identify and explore causes of students’ dysfunction as it relates to the home, school, and community including making home visits to gather information relating to students.

Consultation

1. Consult with school personnel regarding students and situations not referred for outside services.
2. Contribute to the planning and implementation of parent or guardian engagement activities. Develop and conduct parent or guardian training and support groups.
3. Consult with parents or guardians regarding their child’s academic performance, behavior, and needs.
4. Inform students and parents or guardians of their rights and responsibilities under federal and state law, including compulsory attendance.
5. Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist in the interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and goal setting for students according to district procedures.

Program Management

1. Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents or guardians.
2. Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of social-emotional student services and make suggestions based on the findings.
3. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other required documents.
4. Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rules, and board policy. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.

Other

1. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment
Posture: Prolonged sitting; frequent standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
Motion: Frequent walking
Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds); Occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds and over)
Environment: Work inside, may work outside; may require districtwide travel to student homes.
Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; may work prolonged or irregular hours

Application Procedure:

1. Complete the Web-based electronic application. 
2. Provide a certified copy of your college transcript.
3. Provide proof of Identity (Driver's Lic., SS card, Birth Certificate, Passport, or other Federal Documents.)

Included in the electronic application: 

• You must affirm you are in compliance with the SB 9 fingerprint requirement and will submit to a CHRI review via the "DPS Computerized Criminal History (CCH) Verification Form" (included in the application process).  
•  An "Affidavit of Applicant Offered Employment" (included in the application process) must be completed and notarized before a candidate is offered a professional position at N-S CISD.  A notary public is available in the Human Resources office for candidates who are recommended for employment. This pre-employment requirement complies with TEC 21.009. 

For more information please contact the Human Resources Dept. at ext. 105 or by email at: hr@nixonsmiley.net