SUMMARY

In collaboration with the school’s teachers and administration, the Mental Health Counselor advises and counsels students and provides educational and vocational guidance services. The duties of the Mental Health Counselor are focused on helping students achieve personal and academic success at FLCHS and beyond. The Counselor also provides crisis intervention services as needed.

The Diocese of Orlando four core values lay the foundation for the work performed by its employees.

1. Authenticity: Conviction that God has called us to reflect exteriorly our inner life of faith in our daily living.

2. Respect: Affirming each person’s God-given dignity and uniqueness.

3. Courage: Inspired by this gift of the Holy Spirit, we proclaim and live the Word of God fearlessly and devotedly.

4. Commitment: Individually and collectively, we are steadfast to the team and its purpose.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Provides individual and small-group counseling to students experiencing emotional, social, behavioral, or mental health challenges.
• Offers crisis intervention and immediate support for students experiencing acute stress, trauma, or personal crises.
  Develops and implements mental health and wellness programs that promote resilience, emotional regulation, healthy relationships, and coping skills.
• Collaborates with teachers, administrators, and school staff to identify students who may benefit from additional emotional or mental health support.
• Consults with parents or guardians regarding student mental health concerns and provides guidance on supporting student well-being.
• Maintains accurate and confidential student counseling records in accordance with legal and professional standards.
• Identifies students who may need additional clinical support and provides referrals to appropriate community mental health providers when necessary.
• Provides support and resources for students experiencing family challenges, grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, or other emotional concerns.
• Educates students and staff on topics related to mental health awareness, stress management, and healthy coping strategies.
• Participates in the development of school initiatives that foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive school environment.
• Serves as a resource to faculty and staff in supporting student emotional and behavioral needs.
• Participates in multidisciplinary meetings regarding student well-being and support planning.
• Attends professional development, conferences, and training related to student mental health and counseling best practices.
• Supports the school community during times of crisis or critical incidents by helping coordinate emotional support and response efforts.
• Contributes to a collaborative team environment by accomplishing related responsibilities as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
   

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required qualifications (licensed counselor, LMHC/LCSW, etc.) At least five years of experience in related field preferred. Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders. Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

ORGANIZATIONAL/INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

A high level of organizational and interpersonal skill is required. Attention to detail and working well with others is also required. Must have the ability to manage and to present oneself professionally.

LANGUAGE/COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Ability to communicate effectively with subordinates. Ability to effectively communicate with Principal as well as staff, students, and parents. Confidentiality is essential.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts such as adding, dividing, and multiplying.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, talk, feel, sit, grasp, hear and perform repetitive motions of the hands/wrists; required to see up close and from far away. Also may be required to lift up to 30 lbs.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed mostly in an office setting. Employee may be required to work more than 40 hours including occasional evenings and weekends, and do extensive computer work.