Mental Health First Aid Responder - Central Office

Syracuse City School District Jobs • Syracuse, KS

118d • $57,766 - $99,065

About The Position

The Mental Health First Aid Responder is a critical member of the District Response Team within the school district, providing immediate support and intervention for students experiencing behavioral and/or mental health crisis or emotional distress. This position closely aligns with the qualifications and responsibilities of a licensed social worker and requires expertise in crisis intervention, mental health assessment, and trauma-informed care. This individual will work collaboratively with other crisis responders and school personnel to ensure the safety and well-being of students in crisis situations.

Requirements

• Master's degree in social work or related field from an accredited institution.
• NYS Certified.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in mental health crisis intervention, preferably in an educational or community-based setting.
• Strong assessment skills and ability to make rapid, accurate judgments in high-stress situations.
• Knowledge of mental health disorders, crisis intervention techniques, and trauma-informed care principles.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish rapport with diverse populations.
• Compassion, empathy, and a commitment to advocating for the needs of students experiencing mental health crises.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to multiple school sites as part of the mobile crisis team.

Responsibilities

• Respond promptly to schools regarding students experiencing behavioral, mental health crisis or emotional distress.
• Conduct assessments of students' behavioral or mental health status and risk factors, utilizing evidence-based screening tools and assessment protocols.
• Implement immediate crisis intervention strategies to de-escalate volatile situations and ensure the safety of students and others present.
• Provide emotional support, reassurance, and practical assistance to students in crisis, utilizing principles of mental health first aid and trauma-informed care.
• Establish rapport and build trust with students and their families to facilitate effective communication and engagement in crisis intervention efforts.
• Collaborate with school personnel, parents, and external service providers to develop comprehensive support plans and coordinate follow-up care.
• Work collaboratively with other members of the District Response Team and school administrators to assess the level of risk and determine appropriate interventions for students in crisis.
• Facilitate communication and information sharing among team members, ensuring that all relevant parties are informed and involved in crisis response efforts.
• Coordinate referrals to mental health professionals, community resources, or emergency services as needed for ongoing support and treatment.
• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of all crisis interventions, assessments, and follow-up activities, adhering to established protocols and confidentiality standards.
• Prepare incident reports and other documentation for school records, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development activities to enhance knowledge and skills in crisis intervention, mental health first aid, and trauma-informed care.
• Provide training and support to school staff, students, and families on recognizing the signs of behavioral threat and mental health crises and accessing appropriate support services.

Benefits

• Compensation is in accordance with the Unit 1 contractual agreement and ranges from $57,766 to $99,065, based on experience and qualifications.
• Teachers may also have the opportunity to participate in our Summer School Programs, which are compensated at an hourly rate of $45.00.
• Teachers of color or those with experience and a deep background in Urban Education may qualify for the District's Urban Fellowship Program.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: Master's degree