Mental Health Counselor

Polaris Tech Charter School; Ridgeland (SC); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits Packet

Retirement: 403b

Job summary

An educational support organization is seeking a compassionate School-Based Mental Health Counselor to provide trauma-informed mental health services within a school environment. The counselor will deliver direct therapeutic services and conduct assessments while collaborating closely with students, families, and school staff. Ideal candidates should possess a Master's degree, relevant licensure, and experience working with children and trauma. Benefits include a benefits packet and a 403b retirement plan.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher is required.
• Current licensure or certification required in South Carolina.
• At least two years of counseling experience with children.
• Specialized training in trauma-informed care and therapeutic approaches.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to culturally responsive practices and working with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling focused on trauma-informed approaches.
• Conduct needs assessments and develop individualized service plans.
• Implement evidence-based interventions for students' emotional regulation.
• Participate in MTSS and IEP teams to develop and monitor student support plans.
• Provide crisis intervention and risk assessments as needed.
• Consult with teachers, administrators, and families to create trauma-sensitive school environments.
• Facilitate referrals to outside mental health services as appropriate.
• Deliver staff training on trauma-informed practices and mental health awareness.
• Maintain accurate, confidential documentation as required by standards and laws.
• Promote equity, inclusivity, and restorative practices within the school setting.

Skills

Trauma-informed counseling

Collaboration

Crisis intervention

Communication skills

Culturally responsive practices

Education

Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology or related field

Current licensure or certification in South Carolina

Two years of counseling experience with children and adolescents

Trauma-informed care training

Strong communication and collaboration skills

Job description

School-Based Mental Health Counselor (Trauma-Informed Focus)

Position Title: School-Based Mental Health Counselor

Location: Polaris Tech Charter School

Reports To: Executive Director

Employment Type: Full-Time/190

Position Overview

We are seeking a compassionate, skilled, and trauma-informed School-Based Mental Health Counselor to join our student support team. The counselor will provide direct therapeutic services, crisis intervention, consultation, and collaboration with school staff, students, and families to promote social-emotional wellness, particularly for students impacted by trauma.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling to students with a focus on trauma informed approaches.
• Conduct needs assessments and develop individualized service plans in collaboration with students, families, and staff.
• Implement evidence-based interventions to support students' emotional regulation, resilience, and mental health.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary teams (e.g., MTSS, IEP teams) to develop and monitor student support plans.
• Provide crisis intervention and risk assessments as needed.
• Consult with teachers, administrators, and families to create trauma-sensitive school environments.
• Facilitate referrals to outside mental health services when appropriate.
• Deliver professional development and training for staff on trauma-informed practices and mental health awareness.
• Maintain accurate and confidential documentation according to professional standards and legal requirements.
• Promote a positive school climate that embraces equity, inclusivity, and restorative practices.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
• Current licensure or certification (e.g., LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or school counseling certification) in the state of South Carolina
• Minimum of two (2) years of counseling experience with children and adolescents, preferably in a school or similar setting.
• Specialized training and experience in trauma-informed care and therapeutic approaches (e.g., TF-CBT, EMDR, ARC, Somatic Experiencing).
• Strong understanding of child development, mental health issues, and the impact of trauma on learning and behavior.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to culturally responsive practices and working with diverse populations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual skills (Spanish or other languages).
• Experience with restorative practices, PBIS, or SEL frameworks.
• School-based, working closely with students in grades [K–12, or specify range].
• Collaboration with administrators, teachers, school psychologists, social workers, and external agencies.
• Occasional evening meetings or events may be required.

Benefits

• Benefits Packet
• Retirement: 403b