Military and Family Life School Counselor

This position supports schools associated with NAS Meridian, Mississippi. Candidates must be local or willing to relocate to NAS Meridian and hold an independent-level license in any state as a Mental Health Counselor, Therapist, or Social Worker.

About the role

This position provides the full breadth of Child and Youth Behavioral (CYB) counseling services to children of all ages of military service members and their families at military installations and off military installations. Services may include non-medical counseling, training and health/wellness presentations, consultation with parents, personnel, and schools, and consultation with installation command regarding behavioral health issues affecting children and youth.

CYB School Counselors will be assigned to Department of Defense (DoDEA) schools, community schools, youth programs, summer camps, and on-demand assignments. School-assigned counselors must have prior experience working in a school setting.

Counselors work closely with installation and military branch Points of Contact (POC) to ensure the program meets the needs of the installation and schools.

Responsibilities

• Provide non-medical, short-term, solution-focused counseling directly to eligible children and youth of service members at assigned locations. Services include assessment, brief counseling, consultation, action planning, referral to resources, and follow-up.
• Support staff and personnel of DoDEA, community schools, summer camps, and provide parent training and guidance.
• Deliver training, health and wellness presentations, and participate in health fairs and base/installation activities focused on children and youth.
• Enter counselor activity data daily via smartphone or web application to ensure accurate reporting while maintaining confidentiality.
• Establish and maintain relationships with community resources focused on children and youth, providing appropriate linkages.
• Remain visible within the school setting, adhering to line-of-sight protocol (another adult must be able to see the counselor and child at all times).
• Partner with POC to address the needs of the installation/facility and develop professional working relationships.
• Manage duty-to-warn and restricted reporting situations according to DoD protocol, staffing cases with Regional Supervisor/Regional Director.
• Communicate with Regional Supervisor and participate in regular individual and group supervision, sharing trends and issues.
• Respond to critical incidents and special requests as directed by the POC and approved by the Office of Secretary of Defense (OSD) program manager, flexing schedule as needed.
• Participate in in-services, training, Quality Improvement initiatives, studies, pilot programs, and other contract activities as assigned.
• Comply with all other duties as assigned, including pilot program certification, activity documentation, and technology utilization.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree from an accredited graduate program in a mental health-related field.
• Valid unrestricted independent counseling license from a State, District of Columbia, US Territory, or Commonwealth.
• Minimum two years of post-licensure clinical experience.
• Intermediate-level competencies in technology and software (e.g., Microsoft Suite, internet navigation, smartphone/tablet applications, video-conferencing).
• Ability to engage and communicate with military members or children, respond quickly to emergent situations, and traverse short/long distances on military installations, including rugged or uneven terrain.
• Compliance with site-specific requirements (e.g., immunizations, vaccinations) for military installations.
• US Citizenship and fluency in English.
• Understanding, sensitivity, and empathy for children, service members, and their families.
• Ability to develop trusting, helping relationships with diverse individuals and families.
• Pass a Child National Agency Check and Inquiries (CNACI) Clearance, Installation Records Check (IRC), Criminal History Background Check, and FBI Fingerprints Check.
• Valid U.S. state vehicle operator’s license (unless waived). May be required to obtain a U.S. military vehicle operator’s permit for commercial sedans at TDY locations.
• Meet Magellan MFLC CYB criteria for experience with children/youth and specialty in child/adolescent development/psychology.
• School-assigned counselors must have prior work experience in a school setting.

Pay

Salary range: $59,922 – $100,280. Actual pay will be adjusted based on skills, experience, education, and other job-related factors. This position may be eligible for short-term incentives and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Magellan offers a broad range of health, life, voluntary, and other benefits, as well as perks that enhance physical, mental, emotional, and financial wellbeing.