Primary Purpose
The primary purpose of the consultant is to work with the mental health coordinator at the KISD Early Childhood Campus within the Head Start program to provide a proactive developmental guidance program that is tailored to the specific needs of Head Start enrolled students who need additional support in behavior management with the use of proven supportive and kindergarten ready interventions. The consultant will work directly with students to provide joyful and rigorous interventions that address emotional and behavioral challenges for students to prevent escalation of negative behaviors and to encourage students to maximize their personal growth and development with replacement behaviors so that they can be successful in the school environment. The consultant will partner with families and the Family Coordinator to provide strategies that promote student success at school. In addition, the consultant will collaborate and coach campus staff and students’ families on implementation of strategies which promote student learning, interpersonal skills, and support positive replacement behaviors and interventions. The consultant will perform counseling services to help students resolve personal, emotional, and social problems that interfere with their adjustment to school and ability to enjoy the benefits of the education process. The consultant will also provide coping strategies and proactively support students before, during, and after crisis situations while functioning as part of the student services team to formulate plans with the school, student, and parents.
Qualifications
Certified School Counselor or Licensed Professional Counselor
Play Therapy Certification desired
Crisis Prevention Intervention certification desired
Special Knowledge/Skills
Training in crisis and trauma counseling
Knowledge of individual and group counseling skills
Strong consultation skills for conferencing with liaisons, coordinators, teachers, parents or guardians, and students
Knowledge of prevention and intervention strategies, including behavior management interventions
Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
Ability to present information in one-on-one, small group, and large group situations to coordinators, students, parents or guardians, and district staff
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Experience
Three years post-license experience in assessing and providing mental health counseling services to elementary students experiencing social emotional struggles, and crisis or traumatic experiences
Major Responsibilities and Duties
Provide crisis support within the classroom.
Provide support directly with students.
Provide crisis support and individual, group, and family mental health counseling to students, parents, and school staff.
Coordinate services with Mental Health Coordinator, liaison, staff, parents, and other local service providers (if requested).
Perform casework services to increase parents’ or guardian's understanding and constructive participation in addressing their child’s needs and knowledge and use of available and appropriate resources relating to traumatic experiences or any other social emotional struggles a child may be experiencing.
Perform services that implement, and support Head Start standards.
Perform services that use the parenting curriculum “Love and Logic”
Provide rationally competent, evidence-based interventions and recovery services.
Coordinate and integrate school and community resources and refer students, parents, and staff to resources where appropriate and approved by KISD.
Consultation
Consult with school personnel regarding students and situations.
Contribute to the planning and implementation of parent or guardian involvement activities. Develop and conduct parent or guardian training with parental curriculum.
Consult with parents or guardians regarding their child’s academic performance, behavior, and needs.
Program Management
Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other required documents.
Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and board policy. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
Comply and meet Head Start standards.
Other
Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
Posture: Prolonged sitting; frequent standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
Motion: Frequent walking
Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (under 30 pounds); Occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds and over).
Environment: Work inside classrooms, may work outside as required; may require districtwide travel to student homes.
Mental Demands: Maintain emotional and professional control under stress.
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Contracted
Head Start ARP (American Rescue Plan) Grant
$45,000