Mental Health Professional

Job Description

K-8 Mental Health Specialist (Position open to Social Worker and/or School Counselor licensed individuals
Department: K-8 General Education and Special Education Departments
Reports To: Principal and/or Executive Director
Classification: Salaried Employee - Non- Exempt
SUMMARY: The role of the mental health professional is to create a school environment which fosters learning and personal growth; to motivate pupils to develop skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to provide an excellent education, in accordance with each pupil’s ability; to establish effective rapport with pupils, families and the community; and to work collaboratively with other staff members.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
85%
Meet with students, staff and families regarding crisis prevention and intervention.
Develop and teach intervention strategies that will support students in meeting their mental health and academic goals.
Assist students in gaining social skills in areas including, but not limited to anger management, conflict resolution and overall mental wellness.
Work with family members and others in a student's living situation to support student adjustment, learning and development.
Offer support and education to staff to help them understand the cultural, societal, economic and other tendencies that may impact students’ lives, learning and behavioral tendencies.
Assist the district in developing programs and supports for all students, including those who are advanced, who have fallen behind and whose attendance have impacted their learning.
Identify, implement and educate staff, families and students on interventions and reporting protocol for child abuse, child neglect and other alleged and proven circumstances.
10%
Support SPED team in meeting IEP and program goals
Assist families in securing resources for students receiving IEP services.

5% Other
● Meet and work with other teachers and supervisors to discuss school policies ● Other duties as apparent or assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None
LOCATION: This position requires the employee to be on site with students, unless there are extenuating circumstances (i.e. pandemic, inclement weather).
SCHEDULE: To perform this position successfully, the individual must serve on all student contact days, per the negotiated teacher contract. Work will be provided on site, extenuating circumstances may be reviewed.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Candidates must hold a current/valid professional license and/or certification.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Mental Health Professionals must hold a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Art degree with the appropriate mental health certification
LANGUAGE SKILLS: Mental Health Professionals must effectively communicate with students, staff, administrators, parents and the community.
Multilingual candidates will receive additional consideration.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. Teachers must be able to demonstrate the ability to apply math skills appropriate to their daily routine.
REASONING ABILITY: Professional staff must demonstrate the ability to know, interpret and follow school policy. In addition, professional staff must demonstrate the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and apply common sense to carry out tasks. Professional staff must demonstrate the ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists and to interpret information in a variety of forms.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: The employee must demonstrate the ability to operate a computer and necessary software. They must demonstrate the ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff, administrators, parents and the community. They must maintain professional composure while dealing with a variety of personalities and situations and demonstrative initiative as a self starter. The employee must demonstrate positive and effective working relationships with students, staff, administrators, parents and the community.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The position requires the employee to be on site. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to do some light lifting. The employee must be able to be on his/her feet walking for the entire 8 hour shift, twisting and turning, stooping and bending continuously. The position is directly working with students, and the employee must be able to work with behaviors, noise and sometimes difficult to predict situations.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The fast- paced environment supports collaboratively interacting with students, staff, administrators, parents and the community. Multi-tasking and the ability to prioritize tasks is necessary. The position requires addressing multiple requests and concerns, while promoting student growth and the school’s programs. The position requires supporting and communicating with all stakeholders, and responding in emergency situations.
This is an at will position for the duration of the 3 year probationary period as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The contract is an annual contract which runs from August 1 to June 30 of the following year.
The payscale for this position is based on the negotiated contract between the Art and Science Academy and Education MN Federation of Charter School Employees: the Art and Science Academy.
This position description describes the general nature of the work expected of an individual assigned to this position. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.

Interested candidates should send their resume, cover letter and three reference letters to
Paula Foley
Art and Science Academy:
903 6th Avenue Court NE
Isanti, MN 55040
Paula.foley@artandscienceacademy.k12.mn.us
320-980-7180

Qualifications

Mental Health certification.

Application Instructions/Comments

Open until filled - Immediate opening
Send Resume and cover letter to Paula Foley at paula.foley@artandscienceacademy.k12.mn.us

or phone 320-980-7180