Licensed Professional Counselor

Fundamental Duties/Essential Functions

• Performs individual, group, and crisis intervention counseling to students experiencing difficulties with addictions, substance abuse, family, stress management, self-esteem, anxiety and other situations as needed to promote optimum mental and emotional health.
• Works with staff members to educate, train and promote mental health awareness in the school district.
• Instructs individuals and groups in social skill areas as required by the Individualized Educational Program.
• Provides group and individual counseling to the programs within IU 11 area and supports the staff assigned to those students.
• Maintains records of all services provided.
• Identifies and addresses social, emotional, learning, cultural, environmental and economic barriers that impede the educational process.
• Plans and delivers social skills lessons, using researched-based programs and teaching methods.
• Documents and evaluates student progress based on progress monitoring techniques and observation.
• Maintains contact with parents of students.
• Refers consumers to other agencies and contacts within the community when applicable.
• Counsels with classroom teachers and other staff as needed.
• Conducts or assists in FBAs and the development of positive behavior support plans.
• Conducts presentations and training for IU and District staff, community agency staff and parents.
• Plans and develops training, including research in the topic area, for IU and District staff, community agency staff and parents.
• Completes comprehensive assessment of student needs, identifying strengths and needs and develops a treatment or behavior plan when appropriate.
• Conducts individual or group counseling sessions with students in accordance with treatment plan, or as necessary for crisis intervention; provides students with feedback support or encouragement or to address behaviors and attitudes, or family, social or personal problems.
• Evaluates student's response to intervention/treatment and modifies intervention/treatment plan or recommends intervention/treatment extensions as circumstances require.
• Aids in the development of student exit plans which integrate aftercare school based intervention/treatment and utilization of appropriate referral resources.
• Establishes relationships with community agencies and serves as an expert on the services they provide within the area to which one is assigned.
• Maintains regular communication verbally and in written form with student family members and educators to relay reports and other information for the continuity of care.
• Gathers data for educational decision making.
• Collaborates with others to determine programming needs and create modifications as needed.
• Prepares, maintains and disseminates current information/materials based on current research and related to mental health.

Qualifications

• Master's degree
• Valid PA license in counseling
• Experience working with children within the public school setting preferred
• Advanced knowledge in mental health disorders, behavior and treatment modalities preferred
• Advanced skill in individual and family therapy
• Advanced skill in crisis intervention