Counseling and Mental Health Specialist

Primary Purpose:

To provide collaboration and coordination in the development and delivery of quality School Services to meet the needs of Region 16 clients.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification

• Masters degree required upon hire
• Texas teaching and counseling certifications required

Skills

• Minimum of 3 years counseling experience in a public school setting required
• LPC or LPCA preferred
• Demonstrated ability to relate well with others
• Selfmotivated and customer serviceoriented with strong public/human relations planning and organizational skills
• Strong problemsolving skills required
• Strong communication skills required
• Required ability to travel for work outside of regularly scheduled work hours

Working Conditions:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals
• Posture: Must be physically able to tolerate prolonged sitting frequent standing; occasional bending/stooping pushing/pulling twisting and standing
• Motion: Must be physically able to tolerate frequent standing and walking repetitive hand motions frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching occasional driving
• Lifting: Must be physically able to tolerate regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may require occasional heavy lifting and carrying 45 pounds or more)
• Environment: Must be physically able to work inside; tolerate frequent districtwide travel and occasional statewide travel; regular exposure to noise
• Mental Demands: Must be able to work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours on occasion
• Regular Attendance is an essential function

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Communicates effectively to provide uptodate information to district/campus personnel regarding developments initiatives and priorities at the state and federal levels.
2. Assists in providing services to meet Title IV Part A requirements Title IV Mental Health Behavioral Grant and ESC Counseling.
3. Serves LEAs within the Effective Advising Framework.
4. Plans and implements a comprehensive regional program that includes PLCs for guidance and counseling services.
5. Serves as a regional authorizer for Apply Texas and provides technical assistance.
6. Assists CTE specialist in implementing program guidance in counseling/advisement to LEAs.
7. Assists CTE specialist in providing training and resources for LEAs in CCMR counseling/advisement.
8. Assists districts with master scheduling professional development.
9. Assists district staff in guiding students through educational career and personal plans.
10. Assists in selecting and using all available counseling resources and develops additional resources as needed to assist districts.
11. Coordinates professional development and technical assistance for school counselors designed to support and align with the Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs.
12. Coordinates and provides professional development for continued implementation of graduation requirements and new legislative requirements.
13. Collaboratively provides professional development and guidance to Direct Service Counselors.
14. Serves as a regional lead for Stop It Grant activities
15. Provides support and assistance related to school mental health issues.
16. Provides a Counselor Network to support and develop school counselors including a power hour and monthly newsletter.
17. Serves as the region representative for TEA School Counselor Lead Meetings.
18. Leads Emotional Poverty training and YMHFA training.
19. Develops professional development and technical assistance with school safety specialists on emotional and physical safety.
20. Serves as a member of the Region 16 Crisis Team.
21. Assists districts with MTSS and Comprehensive School Counseling Program framework.
22. Conduct ESC 16 staff mental health training.
23. Travels as a part of job responsibilities.
24. Maintains a functioning cell phone and is accessible through this phone as deemed appropriate by the service area director. A functioning cell phone means that it is charged activated messages checked and mailbox emptied regularly.
25. Reports for work ready to perform responsibilities.
26. Performs duties that directly and/or indirectly impact student performance in Region 16.
27. Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding all ESC matters.
28. Supports the mission goals and objectives of the ESC strategic plan.
29. Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the ESC safety program.
30. Performs professional responsibilities as required by ESC policies processes and procedures.
31. Manages time calendar and job responsibilities to meet deadlines.
32. Meets proficiency levels of required technology skills as outlined by the supervisor.
33. Incorporates appropriate technology in daily work and exhibits continual growth in technologies as outlined by supervisor.
34. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority