STUDENT ASSISTANCE SPECIALIST - CHARLOTTESVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL (FULL-TIME 11 MONTH)

General Statement of Responsibilities

This is a FLSA exempt position in which the incumbent works as part of Prevention Services to provide implementation, coordination and management for a student assistance program sited at a local school. He/she shall provide crisis intervention services, focused on short-term stabilization of children including mental health assessment and clinical interventions. The incumbent shall provide behavioral coaching, role-modeling, psycho-education/skill building, crisis counseling and emotional support to selected children and families in behavioral health areas to include (but are not limited to): attachment (or child development), parenting, behavioral management, problem solving, self-management, social interaction, independent living, crisis management, employment searching and work skills. The incumbent will also function as an outreach specialist to provide in-community prevention programs for children, adolescents, families and citizens at large. He/she will work with human service agencies, treatment teams, schools, local jurisdictions and citizen groups to provide appropriate consultation and implementation of programs of service and education about and prevention of substance addiction, mental health and promotion of resiliency.

Major Duties

• *Provides assessment of the need for local programs of prevention particularly those addressing violence, mental health and substance use issues.
• *Designs and/or establishes prevention services to meet prioritized school needs; prioritizing “at-risk” students.
• *Provides consultation to other schools and school system staff regarding prevention and intervention services.
• *Provides liaison with local agencies in order to coordinate referrals for treatment services. Coordinates services with therapists and other professionals, agencies, schools, and other resources. Participates in case conferences, presents information on observations of child/family behavior and functioning. Identifies family strengths, weaknesses, areas of stability and instability, and progress toward treatment goals.
• *Provides crisis intervention services as defined by DMAS and licensure regulations.
• *Coordinates the school-based Student Assistance Program which may include though not limited to, a student assistance core team, prevention/education presentations, individual assessments and brief counseling, psycho educational groups, a peer mediation program, consultation and referrals, crisis intervention, and/or parent training.
• *Participates in the trainings provided through the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
• *Provides in-service training at the direction of the Director or Program Manager of Prevention Services.
• *Works evening hours as required by assignment by the school administrator in charge of student assistance programs or the Director or Program Manager of Prevention Services.
• *Receives supervision in prevention assignments and issues as required.
• *Completes documentation as required. Maintains current and complete records; including daily entries of services in the Prevention Database required by Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) and maintains required records for any crisis intervention services provided.
• *Attends required meetings.
• *Supervises volunteers or students as assigned.
• *Reads all agency communication (i.e., Ten, Region Ten’s newsletter, E-mail, etc.).
• *Performs other duties as assigned in keeping with general description of this position.
• *Function effectively within two separate systems; school and Region Ten.
• *Acts as liaison between Region Ten service provider, student, school and student’s parent or guardian.
• If the employee is seeking licensure, their job tasks may be varied to ensure that they meet all the 12 core competency areas as set forth by the applicable licensing board.

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in pertinent mental health field preferred
• Experience: One year of mental health experience required. Two or more years preferred.
• Certification/License: License (LPC or LCSW) or license-eligible preferred (as defined by registration of supervision with the appropriate Licensing Board.)

Knowledge

• Principles, theory and strategies of prevention, training, and treatment in the field of substance addiction, mental health and developmental disorders;
• Principles of child development, attachment theory, child and adult psychopathology, family therapy, behavior management, adult and child substance abuse, and psychological testing;
• School systems and interagency collaboration.
• Laws and regulations governing children's behavioral health services.

Skills

• Motivational interviewing, crisis supports, case management, therapeutic techniques, child and family counseling, outreach modalities, group facilitation;
• Clinical assessment, risk assessment, assessment consultation and referral;
• Program coordination;
• Public speaking and report writing, personal computers and keyboarding.

Abilities

• Provide prevention/education services to groups, families and individuals on substance addiction, mental health and intellectual disability issues and provide consultation in these areas to agencies, and in particular to the specific school assignment;
• Work independently and function professionally while sited full time at a school.

Pay Information

HOURLY SALAR RANGE: GRADE 9: $21.02 - $31.53 per hour
GRADE 10: $23.12 - $34.68 per hour
GRADE 11: $27.40 - $38.15 per hour

Schedule

Full-Time (Non-Exempt); 11 month position - yearly schedule August to June

Location

Charlottesville Middle School: 1000 Cherry Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Region Ten Office Location: 500 Old Lynchburg Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903