Mental Health Specialist

Lansingschools; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lansing School District is expanding its mental health team and hiring two Mental Health Specialists to support students in PreK-12. Under the Director of Mental Health, you will provide assessments, short-term therapy and crisis response within the schools.

Responsibilities include coordinating intakes, developing treatment plans, liaising with families and community resources, and maintaining confidential documentation while collaborating with district staff.

Qualifications

• Master’s level credential approved by LARA (social worker, psychologist or counselor).
• Strong crisis management, de-escalation and safety planning capabilities.
• Ability to maintain calm in high-stress situations and manage confidential information.
• Training in TB-CBT, DBT, safety planning, problem solving or expressive therapies.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate therapy for PreK-12.
• Knowledge of community resources and how to connect students with families.
• Discretion, integrity and ability to liaise with school, families and partners.
• Experience facilitating small group treatment and coordinating care.
• Ability to complete confidential documentation and data collection.

Responsibilities

• Provide student assessments, short-term therapy, consultation and case planning.
• Deliver crisis response and facilitate small therapeutic groups.
• Administer behavioral health assessments and develop treatment plans.
• Coordinate intakes for mental health and other services in the district.
• Maintain communication with school personnel, families and clinicians.
• Maintain confidential documentation in accordance with district policies.
• Participate in Mobile Crisis Response Team and threat assessment efforts.
• Support clinical incident response and debriefing as needed.
• Assess and manage mental health crises, including substance use and self-harm.
• Attend to data collection and analysis related to caseloads.

Skills

Crisis management

De-escalation

Safety planning

Expressive therapies

Confidentiality

Interagency collaboration

Education

Master’s level social worker

Psychologist

Professional counselor

Job description

The Lansing School District serves over 10,000 PreK-12 students across 25 school buildings in the increasingly diverse urban community of Lansing, MI. We are unique compared to other districts because of the wide variety of exciting and innovative educational options from which families and staff members can choose. All of Lansing School District’s team members are dedicated to our mission to provide an excellent education to all students in a safe and nurturing environment.

In pursuit of this mission, we are expanding our team and hiring two Mental Health Specialists. We are committed to creating innovative solutions and implementing effective projects that address mental health challenges within the Lansing School District.

Under the direction of the Director of Mental Health, and in accordance with current policies and procedures, the Rapid Response Clinical Specialists will provide therapeutic services to students in the Lansing School District. Rapid Response Clinical Specialists provide student assessments, short term therapy, consultation, case planning, crisis response/assessments, and facilitate small therapeutic groups. Services are provided to students in schools (PreK-12)

• Approval by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) as one of the following: master’s level social worker, psychologist or professional counselor.
• Extensive knowledge in crisis management, de-escalation and safety plans
• Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in high stress situations.
• Possess specific training in areas such as but not limited to TB-CBT, DBT, safety planning, problem solving, expressive therapies, cognitive restructuring, etc.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate therapy methods appropriate to meet the needs of students in all age ranges.
• Knowledge of resources available to students and their families.
• Possess high level of discretion, confidentiality and integrity in working with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Facilitate small group treatment for identified students
• Administer behavioral health assessments, in conjunction with the development and implementation of individual treatment plans and goals.
• Act as a liaison between the school, family and community mental health resources, ensuring effective communication and support for eligible students.
• Complete and maintain confidential documentation of services provided in accordance with district policies and procedures.
• Collect and analyze data related to the mental health of individuals on your caseload.
• Provide crisis response and direct support to students, staff and families.
• Co-coordinate intakes for mental health and other services in the Lansing School District.
• Complete intake packet at time of referral.
• Maintain frequent contact with program supervisors, parents, school personnel and clinicians.
• Participate as an active member of the Mobile Crisis Response Team and district level threat assessment team.
• Support and provide clinical incident response and/or debriefing.
• Assessing and managing mental health crisis such as substance abuse, self-injurious behavior, suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts, sexual violence, family violence and evaluation for crisis services.
• Other duties as assigned.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
• Must be able to move throughout the building and campus, including classrooms, hallways, and outdoor spaces.
• Frequent verbal communication is required to instruct students, lead meetings, and collaborate with staff and families.
• May be required to stand or walk for extended periods, including during supervisory duties.
• Occasional bending, reaching, or sitting on the floor to interact with students.
• Regular use of computers and instructional technology for planning, instruction, and communication.
• Must be able to lift or carry instructional materials and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

At Lansing School District, we champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, providing equal opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation. We foster a rich environment for professional growth and student experiences by valuing diverse perspectives. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite passionate individuals dedicated to educational excellence to apply for our positions.

We value internal mobility and list "Strong Internal Candidate" when considering an internal candidate before posting a job. We still encourage all candidates to apply.

Thank you for your interest in joining our mission-driven team. We look forward to meeting you!

This job description is intended to outline the general responsibilities and qualifications for the position. It is not an exhaustive list of duties, and the Lansing School District reserves the right to modify job responsibilities as needed. Due to the evolving needs of the District,additional job responsibilities may be assigned(depending on funding sources).