The School Based Mental Health Counselor position will work closely with the building administrative team as well as the building counseling team to coordinate, facilitate, and implement mental health support services. The School Based Mental Health Counselor position will also work with a district-level administrative team to coordinate consistent support services across the District. The School Based Mental Health Counselor position will provide emotional support and foster a safe and successful learning environment for students. The primary focus will be on building students’ capacity for academic success and positive social and emotional well-being.
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Provide individual mental health counseling
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Address bullying/harassment
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Provide education (prevention and awareness via classes/presentation on topics such as anger/stress management, cyber safety, etc.)
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Develop youth leadership and empowerment skills
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Facilitate restorative justice and conflict resolution
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Provide crisis assistance (i.e. family death)
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Provide truancy intervention
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Provide mental health resources
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Liaison to/for community resources; next steps involving short term and/or long term counseling or intervention; advocacy
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Provide small group mental health counseling (i.e. anger/stress management, peer issues, self- esteem, grief, relationships, etc.)
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Address mental health and mental illness
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Address risky behaviors (i.e. alcohol/drug use)
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Address depression and anxiety (i.e. suicide ideation)
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Address abuse (i.e. physical, emotional, sexual)
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Maintain and track documentation of mental health support for students
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Maintain regular contact with the parent/guardian of each student client
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Attend IEP meetings when necessary and available
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Serve on the building/district crisis response team
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Collaborate with SEL district leaders in promoting district initiatives
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Participate in relevant professional development opportunities as specified by the grant project director
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Candidate must have a graduate degree in Educational Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or other closely related field AND be licensed or have the ability to become licensed in the state of Iowa as a counselor {LMHC, LMSW, LMFT, Licensed School Counselor}
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Must be able to relate to and communicate effectively with children, parents, and peers
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Must be able to take direction and adhere to district policies and guidelines
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Must have a collaborative, growth mindset and the ability to work as a positive team member
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Must have superior attention to detail and the ability to contribute to the problem solving process
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Regular, predictable, consistent attendance is essential
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Ability to work independently, de-escalate, and maintain confidentiality
This position is solely funded with federal grant funds and will be available while grant funds are in
force. Grant funds are anticipated through the 2027-2028 school year.
