To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.  Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

GRPS MISSION: Our mission is to ensure that all students are educated, self-directed and productive members of society.

MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIAN

Department:             Behavioral Health Services

Bargaining Unit:       Grand Rapids Education Association (GREA)

Salary:                      Determined by the collective bargaining agreement and a comprehensive benefits package

JOB SUMMARY

The mental health provider provides quality assessment and intervention services, including prevention services, crisis intervention, and on-going therapy to improve student emotional, behavioral, and mental health. The mental health provider promotes social emotional learning by developing and implementing emotional, behavioral, and mental health wellness activities.  The mental health provider coordinates and networks with community agencies and school staff. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include any of the following duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by employees in this position. Regular on time and in person attendance is an essential function of this job. Other essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Works alongside school counselors and administrators to deliver crisis intervention services to students as needed.
• Completes student psycho-social risk assessments to identify emotional, behavioral, or mental health concerns
• Works cooperatively as a liaison with community agencies involved with students and families for care coordination including and not limited to community mental health authority, medical care providers, police, family court, and community agencies, etc.
• Incorporates therapeutic interventions into therapy sessions based upon evidenced based practices and standards
• Complies with timelines, laws, and regulations as it relates to district, state, and federal policies and procedures, including privacy and confidentiality laws
• Works cooperatively with staff in the development of goals and objectives
• Conducts classrooms and small group social skills building
• Adheres to all required documentation within established time limits: assessments, treatment plans, session notes, safety plans
• Conducts group and individual therapy sessions
• Collaborates with teachers to support positive practices within the classroom
• Works appropriately and communicates clearly with staff and students in unpredictable, stressful situations
• Complies with the collective bargaining agreement between the GRPS Board of Education and Grand Rapids Education Association
• Participates in meetings as directed by the Behavioral Health Program Manager
• Completes documentation and billing for services, as needed
• Uses technology tools to support student self-management needs
• Works collaboratively with school initiatives that support intervention strategies for student success
• Conferences with parents and district staff as needed
• Works on special projects or committees as assigned
• Establishes communication systems between social worker and individual buildings, teachers, and parents
• Participates in professional development
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, or psychology
• Fully licensed or limited license in social work, counseling, or psychology

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrates use of technology for work related and student intervention sessions
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations
• Thorough working knowledge of the practices and principles of psychological, emotional, and sociological assessment
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and skills/capabilities of bridging language/cultural barriers to mental health services within diverse communities
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals 
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from administrators and staff
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to group or individual sessions
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, peers, parents, and community
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely in written and oral communication

ADA REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk, hear (in a quiet or noisy environment). Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust/focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to moderate. Work is performed indoors. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being of students.

MENTAL FUNCTIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to compare, analyze, communicate both orally and in writing, copy, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile, and negotiate.

Non-Discrimination

The Grand Rapids Public Schools will not discriminate against any person based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, height, weight, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran, or military status.

Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations: Assistance with the application process may be requested through the Human Resources Department at (616) 819-2022 or humanresources@grps.org.