School-Based Behavioral Health Counselor

Anticipated School-Based Behavioral Health Counselor position available, effective on or about February 13, 2023.
Contracted 67-day position.
This position may become a permanent position in the 2023-2024 school year.
Requirements Include: Master’s degree in social work; Possesses Licensed Social Worker or Licensed Clinical Social Work (Preferred) The following job description is a "draft" and is subject to change: TITLE: School-Based Behavioral Health Counselor CATEGORY: Professional Staff/Employment Agreement REPORTS TO: Curriculum Supervisor - Grants and Special Programs JOB SUMMARY: Provide counseling and guidance services to students; makes referrals to community-based support groups and social-service agencies as appropriate.
QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s degree in social work Possesses Licensed Social Worker or Licensed Clinical Social Work (Preferred) Assures compliance with Employment Eligibility through Criminal History Records, Pre-Employment Drug Testing and Physical Examination/TB Test Standard Assures and maintains compliance with all Pennsylvania certification requirements Possesses ability to maintain high level of confidentiality Possesses proficiency in the English language, with strong oral and written communication skills Possesses ability to deal courteously and tactfully with students, staff, and the public Possesses knowledge of technology, including the use of software and computerized office equipment Possesses ability to analyze situations accurately and adapt an effective course of action Possesses ability to read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures Possesses valid driver’s license KNOWLEDGE OF: Effective personal counseling techniques and procedures, counseling theory, and ethics Normal and abnormal child behavior and development; behavior modification techniques and strategies Student assistance programs and community referral resources Diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of students Data analysis and intervention services Record-keeping and report preparation techniques Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures Current trends and research concerning the growth and development of children PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS: The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
It is the responsibility of the employee to inform the District of any and all reasonable accommodations that will be required.
Provide direct interventions to students, including individual and group therapy, counseling, and educational and informational programs.
Assist in the planning of therapeutic, remedial, and behavioral modification activities provided by Northampton Area School District.
Conduct formal and information assessments of student function, developmental history, family and community structure, interpersonal relationships, adaptive behavior, and cultural factors that may influence learning.
Provide crisis response and emergency assistance including support to students in need and participation in threat assessment and related initiatives.
To provide ongoing communication with appropriate school personnel (District and Building Administration, District Counseling staff) regarding ongoing case coordination, service delivery, caseload, and schedule; maintain active communication with identified staff and agencies that share case involvement when appropriate releases are signed; consult with stakeholders to facilitate understanding of factors in a student’s home, educational agency, and community that affect their educational experience.
To communicate with families regarding assessment and treatment outcomes according to established time frames and protocol.
To initiate and maintain engagement with youth throughout the treatment process.
To identify, link, and coordinate all necessary supportive case work services, including the provision of referrals for ongoing treatment within the youth and family’s community, resources affiliated with social service and governmental agencies, support groups and other community resources as appropriate.
Provide parent/caregiver counseling and training to help them develop necessary skills, education and self-advocacy to support the implementation of their child’s specialized educational program.
Consult and collaborate with educational agency personnel, parents, and community resources in areas that impact student learning (e.
g.
, mental health, behavior management, school safety, diversity, crisis management, bullying prevention, child abuse, and neglect).
Promote collaboration among community health, mental health, and welfare service providers and facilitate greater access to these services for students and develop programs and systems that promote student welfare and achievement.
Participate in meetings, workshops, conferences, interagency panels, and seminars to convey and/or gather information required to perform necessary functions, to assist with effective integration of services to students, and to keep current with professional literature, trends in mental health, and evidence-based standards of practice.
To collaborate with the Curriculum Supervisor to plan, facilitate, and present K-12 staff development programs; assist in training school personnel to be able to identify the signs and impact of trauma in students and families and coordinate or support initiatives to develop school culture and climate.
To maintain appropriate records of service rendered to or on behalf of the student populations served.
To adhere to the Pennsylvania Professional Standards and Practices Commission Code of Conduct Performs related duties as assigned SECONDARY JOB FUNCTIONS: Maintains professional competence through staff development activities and/or self-selected professional growth activities Administers to the health needs of students, as needed Supervises pupils in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned work day Participates in meetings, conferences and in-services as assigned Performs related duties as assigned PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Possesses ability to access, input and generate output of data from a computer Possesses ability to understand directions and instructions in order to perform duties Possesses ability to effectively communicate in order to exchange information MEASURED IN TERMS OF FREQUENCY - select A, B, C or D for the Lifting & Body Movements A B C D NOT AT ALL OCCASIONALLY FREQUENTLY CONSTANTLY 0% 1 - 33% 34 - 66% 67 - 100% TRANSPORT: Up to 10 lbs: C 11 to 20 lbs: B Beyond 20 lbs: B MOBILITY: Possesses ability to move about the office to access office equipment and files: C Possesses ability to position self to work with students, staff and the public: D Possesses ability to transport materials and supplies to appropriate locations throughout the office: C TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: 188 Days per year; Compensation and benefits per individual contract.
FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT Northampton Area School District is an equal opportunity employment, educational and service organization