Summary
Description
Position Overview:
The Mental and Behavioral Health Specialist is pivotal in the district’s educational model, providing support and guidance for students facing academic and social-emotional challenges. This combined position requires a school psychologist license or a school social worker license, with a preference for LICSW certification. The Mental and Behavioral Health Specialist will primarily focus on providing special education services, including social-emotional learning (SEL) and mental health interventions, and conducting evaluation components integral to the special education process and child find initiatives.
Essential Functions:
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Provide direct social-emotional skill services to special education students, conducting evaluations and assessments for those suspected of having disabilities.
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Utilize evidence-based best practices across all facets of work, encompassing pre-referral interventions, consultations, and evaluations.
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Participate in designing, implementing, and evaluating early interventions for students encountering academic and behavioral difficulties, including the development of Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSP).
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Conduct school-based evaluations in collaboration with the existing school psychologist to ascertain eligibility for special education services.
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Collaborate with community mental health providers and case managers to ensure holistic support for students and families. Facilitate connections between students and families and essential community resources.
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Collaborate closely with school social workers in delivering special education services and supports.
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Provide direct evidence-based and culturally responsive social-emotional interventions for students, consult with staff to provide support and interventions, and interpret behaviors for educational staff.
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Assist in developing and providing crisis responses within the school community, including conducting risk and threat assessments.
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Collaborate with colleagues to develop, plan, and implement best practices tailored to students’ needs and abilities.
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Support developing and implementing data collection and analysis systems to facilitate informed decision-making.
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Serve as an administrative designee on Individual Education Plan (IEP) teams, facilitating meetings, recording minutes, and completing due process paperwork.
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Prepare referrals to Child Protective Services for cases of suspected abuse and neglect.
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Uphold and promote the district’s overall mission through courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with the public and staff, fostering a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
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Adhere rigorously to due process requirements and state and federal laws governing students with disabilities, and uphold professional ethics and standards of practice in school psychology or school social work.
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Required Knowledge and Skills
Required Knowledge:
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District policies and procedures.
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Principles, practices, and ethical standards of school psychology or school social work.
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Laws, codes, and regulations related to special education
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Disabilities and accommodations.
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Computer applications related to the work.
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Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
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Required Skills:
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Participating in the special process of child find and providing special education services aligned with IEP needs
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Interpreting and applying state and Federal statutes, codes, rules, and regulations.Â
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Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
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Operating a personal computer using standard and specialized software.
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Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
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Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.Â
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Commitment to the District’s mission is to ensure high-quality, innovative, challenging education where all learners are valued and respected.
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Performing assigned responsibilities consistent with the District’s established Core Values.
- Advancing the District’s mission and values through careful attention to the key issues of Learning, Environment, and Resources.
Hours and Compensation:Â
Salary per the HEA Contract
1.0 FTE