Mental Health Specialist

This is a fully grant-funded position. Employment is contingent on annual grant funding.

Classification: Administrative/Professional

Exemption Status/Test: Exempt/Administrative

Job Grade: 4

Department: Office of Emergency Management and School Safety

Reports To: Coordinator

Job Goal:

Provide professional development, technical assistance, and support services, and participate in special project activities in the area of mental health as a part of the state's Safe and Supportive Schools Program (SSSP) that support the ESC's core purpose and strategic goals.

Qualifications:

Education

• Master's degree in counseling or other related mental health field from an accredited four-year college or university

Certification/Licensure

• Professional license/certificate in school mental health or related field (e.g., Licensed Specialist in School Psychology, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Master Social Worker)

Experience

• Three years of post-license experience in providing mental health counseling/intervention services to individuals experiencing crisis and/or traumatic experiences

• Experience in developing training and presenting to adults and students in the area of mental health

• Experience leading or service on a campus/district behavior threat assessment team or school/district safety committee

Special Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of mental health services in public school settings with emphasis on areas of evidence-based strategies reflecting trauma-informed practices, human trafficking and drug prevention, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)

• Skill in interpreting law, policy, and procedures in the area of school safety

• Skill in using software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

• Skill in working in collaborative team-based environments

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Major Responsibilities:

• Develop, present, and facilitate effective professional development sessions in the areas of parent engagement, behavior threat assessment, and mental wellness issues.

• Implement the Texas Center for Student Supports (TCSS) initiatives for the Region 4 Stronger Connections grantees.

• Provide technical assistance and customized services to Region 4 customers in the implementation of local violence prevention, trauma-informed care, and grief-informed care curriculum.

• Develop product solutions to support mental health.

• Identify and procure materials, professional development, and units of study related to Evidence-based Mental Health & Prevention programs.

• Develop communication networks between Region 4 and customer personnel.

• Serve as liaison between the Texas Education Agency and other national/federal/state/local agencies to build and enhance community partners in support of school safety.

• Collaborate with the Region 4 Safe and Supportive Schools Collaborative to ensure coordination and alignment of services in support of the vision that every child is safe, healthy, and connected.

• Maintain knowledge and skills in the areas of mental health by engaging in ongoing professional development.

• Remain informed of any changes in state and federal rules, regulations, policies, and priorities related to school safety as well as knowledge of state and federal agencies focused on mental health.

• Assist in planning and developing special project activities.

• Provide technical assistance and services as specified by any applicable federal or state grants that fund this position.

Supervision/Personnel Management

None

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/ Mental Demands:

Frequent use of standard office equipment; prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting; repetitive hand motions (keyboarding and use of mouse); occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 20 pounds); may work prolonged and irregular hours; occasional statewide travel; work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure.