Mesquite Independent School District is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Intervention Counselor - Secondary.  The appointee will report directly to the campus Principal and will provide prevention, intervention, and mental health services for identified students as an integral part of their total emotional, personal, social, vocational, and educational development. The appointee will coordinate transitional services from discipline placements, mental health and substance abuse placements, and other alternative programs. They will also provide leadership and expertise in crisis situations involving the counseling team. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education/Certification:
• Master’s Degree in Counseling or a related field
• Professional Counseling Licensure (LPC, LPC-I, LCSW, LMFT) 

Preference will be given to applicants who:

• possess additional mental health licensure
• have demonstrated successful mental health counseling.
• have experience working with students in at-risk situations
• have training in mental health issues, family dynamics, alcohol and drug abuse, and crisis intervention
• demonstrate proficiency in dealing with child abuse, parent education, ADHD, depression, divorce, victimization, self-esteem, 504, etc.
• possess effective conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
• have knowledge of agencies in the community that can be used as referral sources
• demonstrate an understanding of computer functions and related technology
• possess strong analytical and organizational skills
• have a working knowledge of the various instructional programs
• demonstrate effective communication, public relation, and interpersonal skills

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Provide leadership and expertise in mental health and crisis situations involving the counseling team.
• Have training in mental health, suicide risk assessment, trauma, family dynamics, alcohol and drug abuse, and crisis intervention
• Have training in the fields of child abuse, parent education, ADHD, depression, divorce, victimization, self-esteem, social skills, conflict resolution, communication skills, Sec. 504, decision making skills and transition.
• Exhibit excellent communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills.
• Possess knowledge, understanding, and value of technology in public school education.
• Have knowledge and understanding of the Policies and Procedures of the MISD.
• Exhibit highly effective organizational and consensus building skills.
• Possess knowledge and understanding of the change process, organizational development, conflict resolution, and facilitation skills.

Experience:

• Successful experience in school counseling or experience  working in the mental health field
• Experience working with adolescents
• Experience working with substance abuse issues

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Be available to all students for individual counseling and for conducting group counseling when appropriate and feasible.
• Provide counseling and support for student athletes testing positive for drug use.
• Provide support groups for anger management, personal and family issues, and drug and alcohol issues
• Consult with teachers concerning students in their classes, and assist teachers in their dealings with students when appropriate.
• Consult with parents concerning the academic, vocational, and personal development of their children.
• Consult with assistant principals concerning the attendance and discipline of students.
• Work closely with the school nurse and referral sources concerning the mental and physical health needs of students, and in incidents of child abuse.
• Cooperate with teachers in making special education referrals to the ARD committee and 504 committee
• Assist students and their parents in locating available and appropriate referral sources, and maintain cooperative working relationships with these community agencies.
• Assist in carrying out the duties as specified in the Crisis Management Plan, especially in the areas of suicide or trauma.
• Coordinate transitional services from alternative placements discipline placements, mental health and substance abuse placements, and other alternative placements
• Coordinate Section 504 Services for students with disabilities related to Mental Health, as needed
• Coordinate with early release and alcohol/drug programming at the DAEP
• Perform other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clerical Aides and student workers as assigned

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:

• Communicating well, making multiple decisions regarding students’ educational, physical, and emotional well being, and maintaining emotional control under stress.

Physical demands/environmental factors:

• Flexibility
• Extended hours of interpersonal relationships
• Prolonged and irregular hours
• Responding to crisis situations and maintaining emotional control

Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the administration may find appropriate and acceptable.

Salary:  Pay Range:  Counselor schedule; 196-day contract

Employment begins:  July 25, 2024

The Mesquite Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, or for any other reason prohibited by law.