Area 2 Secondary School_Mental Health Support Specialist (Salem MS) 2026-2027

DeKalb County School District; Lithonia (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

DeKalb County School District seeks an energetic Mental Health Support Specialist to provide effective individual counseling and to develop multi-tiered supports for diverse students. The role emphasizes collaboration with school teams, planning, and data-driven service delivery to promote positive social, emotional, and academic outcomes.

The specialist will implement prevention and intervention services, deliver short-term crisis assistance as needed, and educate stakeholders about mental

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health, or closely related field.
• Minimum five (5) years social work, school psychology, mental health, or closely related experience.

Responsibilities

• Works with school personnel on an ongoing basis to provide mental health support to students, as needed.
• Implements prevention and intervention mental health support services to students, as needed.
• Provides individual or group mental health support services to students, as needed.
• Implements district-approved training principles and techniques appropriately.
• Works with parents and school personnel to support students as needed
• Plans, develops and implements mental health support strategies, plans and programs for students
• Maintains and provides data on all mental health support services
• Works with school personnel and parents, following mental health support services, to discuss ways to prevent repeated incidents
• Recognizes mental health warning signs and collaborates with administration and student support staff to develop a plan to address behavior.
• Provides short-term crisis intervention focused on mental health or situational concerns
• Provides referrals in conjunction with student support staff to school and community resources that treat mental health issues
• Educates teachers, administrators, families and community stakeholders about the mental health concerns of students, including recognition of the role environmental factors have in causing or exacerbating mental health issues, and provide resources and information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Counseling

Written communication

Verbal communication

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health, or closely related field

Job description

Salem Middle School is seeking an energetic and innovative Mental Health Support Specialist , who is capable of providing effective individual counseling for a diverse student population. The candidate should be experienced in building academic skills for students, developing methods for transitioning students, creating an effective classroom, small group and individual guidance plan. The ideal candidate must work collaboratively with team members and must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Salary Grade/Schedule: Z

Salary Schedules: Click Here

The material contained herein is subject to change. All open positions offered by the DeKalb County School District are subject to specific job requirements. The DeKalb County School District is an equal opportunity employer, and all hiring decisions are subject to federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.

Title: Mental Health Support Specialist

Under direct supervision, the Mental Health Support Specialist will provide mental health support to students exhibiting acute concerns, chronic emotional difficulties and/or mental health challenges which adversely impact academic success. The Mental Health Support Specialist will provide prevention and intervention services and multi-tiered supports to promote positive social, emotional, and behavioral skills to support academic achievement

Essential Functions

The following duties are representative for this position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Works with school personnel on an ongoing basis to provide mental health support to students, as needed.
• Implements prevention and intervention mental health support services to students, as needed.
• Provides individual or group mental health support services to students, as needed.
• Implements district-approved training principles and techniques appropriately.
• Works with parents and school personnel to support students as needed
• Plans, develops and implements mental health support strategies, plans and programs for students
• Maintains and provides data on all mental health support services
• Works with school personnel and parents, following mental health support services, to discuss ways to prevent repeated incidents
• Recognizes mental health warning signs and collaborates with administration and student support staff to develop a plan to address behavior.
• Provides short-term crisis intervention focused on mental health or situational concerns
• Provides referrals in conjunction with student support staff to school and community resources that treat mental health issues (suicidal ideation, violence, abuse and depression).
• Educates teachers, administrators, families and community stakeholders about the mental health concerns of students, including recognition of the role environmental factors have in causing or exacerbating mental health issues, and provide resources and information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education And/Or Experience

• Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health, or closely related field is required..
• Minimum five (5) years social work, school psychology, mental health, or closely related experience is required

Certificates, Licenses, Permits

• Hold or be eligible for Georgia Educator Certification in Social Work, Psychology or related field (S-5 or higher) and/or hold a licensure as LCSW, LMFT, LPC or closely related area.