Area 2 Secondary Schools_ Mental Health Support Specialist (Salem MS) 2026-2027

Salem Middle School is seeking an energetic and innovative Mental Health Support Specialist to provide effective individual counseling for a diverse student population.

About the role

Under direct supervision, the Mental Health Support Specialist will provide mental health support to students exhibiting acute concerns, chronic emotional difficulties, and/or mental health challenges which adversely impact academic success. The specialist will provide prevention and intervention services and multi-tiered supports to promote positive social, emotional, and behavioral skills to support academic achievement.

Responsibilities

• Works with school personnel on an ongoing basis to provide mental health support to students, as needed.
• Implements prevention and intervention mental health support services to students, as needed.
• Provides individual or group mental health support services to students, as needed.
• Implements district-approved training principles and techniques appropriately.
• Works with parents and school personnel to support students as needed.
• Plans, develops, and implements mental health support strategies, plans, and programs for students.
• Maintains and provides data on all mental health support services.
• Works with school personnel and parents, following mental health support services, to discuss ways to prevent repeated incidents.
• Recognizes mental health warning signs and collaborates with administration and student support staff to develop a plan to address behavior.
• Provides short-term crisis intervention focused on mental health or situational concerns.
• Provides referrals in conjunction with student support staff to school and community resources that treat mental health issues (suicidal ideation, violence, abuse, and depression).
• Educates teachers, administrators, families, and community stakeholders about the mental health concerns of students, including recognition of the role environmental factors have in causing or exacerbating mental health issues, and provides resources and information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health, or closely related field is required.
• Minimum five (5) years of social work, school psychology, mental health, or closely related experience is required.

Qualifications

• Hold or be eligible for Georgia Educator Certification in Social Work, Psychology, or related field (S-5 or higher).
• Hold a licensure as LCSW, LMFT, LPC, or closely related area.