Mental Health Counselor for Schools

Catholic Charities Comm•Phoenix, AZ

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Provide counseling services to Catholic schools through support systems, resources, education, advocacy, and accompaniment to students, parents, teachers, and individuals experiencing emotional, behavioral, or psychological challenges. Focusing on fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment conducive to academic success and personal growth within the school community (2-3 clusters). The position will be assigned specific schools and parishes. Will also work closely with the Diocesan Mental Health Ministry to offer education, accompaniment and advocacy services.

Requirements

Master’s degree in counseling, Social Work or related field from accredited university.
2 years post Master’s outpatient counseling and behavioral health experience preferred.
Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
If not currently holding a valid Associate License (LMSW, LAC) or professional License (LCSW, LPC), employee must apply for licensure within 90 days of employment and must pass qualifying national counselors’ examination.
Employee is required to obtain licensure from Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (AZBBHE) after submittal of application and successfully passing the examinations.
Must have knowledge of ethical practice, clinical assessment, DSM diagnosis, co-occurring disorders, treatment planning, strength-based assessments, solution focused treatment modalities, domestic violence issues, quality management systems and case record documentation.
Experience providing counseling services to children and adolescents in a school or clinical setting preferred.
Must have knowledge of the tenets of cultural competence, family systems, human development, human delivery theories and methods, legal requirements concerning physical and sexual abuse, crisis intervention methods and community resources and referral procedures.
Must be sensitive to cultural differences within the agency and community.
Fluent in Microsoft Office Applications (Word & Outlook).
Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with moderate interruptions.
Must be able to stoop, bend, squat, and ambulate over uneven floor surfaces including stairs and steps.
Primarily office work, travel within area on a frequent basis, travel to other areas of state as needed.
Evening and weekend hours required as needed.
Must be able to visually and auditory assess and interact with clients to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
May lift up to 25 pounds.
Valid AZ driver’s license, reliable transportation and ability to show proof of registration/insurance.
Level One Fingerprint clearance or ability to obtain fingerprint clearance; must maintain clearance.
Must possess Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health license at a master’s degree level OR apply for associate level licensure within 90 days from date of hire.
You must be 21 years of age or older to drive on behalf of Catholic Charities.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
Experience providing counseling services to children and adolescents in a school or clinical setting preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct individual and group counseling sessions with students to address emotional, behavioral, and psychological issues affecting their academic performance and overall well-being within assigned schools.
Provides a broad range of counseling services including intake, assessment, development and implementation of treatment plans for individuals, couples and families. Ensures services are clinically appropriate, providing services that are outpatient.
May perform duties such as the collection of fees, scheduling of appointments as needed to ensure smooth operation of department.
Coordinate all counseling efforts and services with school administrators, school counselors, and school staff.
Assess students’ mental health needs through intake interviews, assessments, and observations, and develop treatment plans accordingly.
Collaborate with teachers, parents, administrators, and Manager of Mental Health Support Services to coordinate support services and interventions for students in need of additional assistance.
Work closely in coordination with Diocesan Mental Health Ministry Team (MHM) Team, and Catholic school personnel to maintain consistent communication and collaboration for the wellbeing of students and families within assigned Catholic Schools. Position will work with the Diocesan Mental Health Ministry to offer education, accompaniment and advocacy services
Provide crisis intervention and support to students experiencing acute mental health crises or emergencies, including risk assessment and referral to appropriate resources.
Offer psychoeducation workshops and presentations to students, faculty, and parents on topics related to mental health, coping strategies, and emotional resilience.
Opens, compiles and maintains complete and accurate case records according to best practices, agency and professional standards.
Stay informed about current research, best practices, and trends in the field of school mental health counseling and integrate new knowledge into practice as appropriate.
Maintains strict confidentiality at all times regarding client information so as not to violate professional codes of ethics.
Promote ongoing commitment to excellence and continual quality improvement to ensure the highest quality of services to our staff and clients.
Performs other duties as assigned.