Mental Health Co-Responder/ 10 Month Contract and or 12 Month Contract

PLEASE APPLY ON THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE: WWW.OLATHESCHOOLS.ORG

POSITION TITLE: Mental Health Co-Responder
DEPARTMENT/LOCATION: Safety Services/District-Wide
STATUS: Exempt – Contract

POSITION SUMMARY: This position is responsible for providing mental health and behavioral support services for students and staff district-wide. This position will focus on students/staff in active crisis and respond alongside building counselors, principals or others working with the individual. Once the crisis is over, this role will work with the school and/or family to make sure the proper supports are in place. This position would connect students and families to the Johnson County Mental Health Center for case management as needed. This position will work closely with and maintain a positive relationship with Johnson County Mental Health on all aspects of student care. This position will spend much of the day being mobile, responding to buildings for students or staff in crisis.
This position is expected to maintain an open mind to innovative strategies, maintain flexibility in multiple settings, provide mental health support to students or staff of all ages in crisis. This position will also liaison with local mental healthcare facilities to manage reintegration of students that were hospitalized to help make their return to school more successful. The candidate will need to be willing to work with and collaborate with numerous outside agencies, including but not limited to, residential treatment facilities, hospitals, Johnson County Mental Health, local law enforcement, along with any potential community groups or programs. This position is not intended to manage a case load, but rather remain available to respond and assist with a mental health emergency or crisis.
This position is part of The Safety Services department and reports to the Executive Director of Safety Services.

PRIMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Be available and respond when called to students/staff in crisis anywhere in the district.
• Serve as a liaison between the Olathe Public Schools and the Johnson County Mental Health Center.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with community organizations.
• Make referrals to and help coordinate community services provided in schools.
• Collaborate with behavioral health liaisons and school counselors regarding community mental health partners and child welfare agencies.
• Consult and collaborate with behavioral health liaisons and school counselors in implementing data-based screening and referral protocols.
• Serve as a mental health professional for target students.
• Screen students for suicidal ideation when needed and make appropriate referrals for further treatment.
• Promote problem solving, anger management and conflict resolution skills.
• Reinforce positive coping skills and resilience.
• Promote positive peer relationships and social problem solving.
• Ensure that school-based interventions and services are trauma informed, culturally and linguistically appropriate.
• Assess student and family needs (e.g. financial, medical, parenting skills, etc.) for the purpose of developing and implementing appropriate interventions.
• Maintain case records for the purpose of documenting activities and complying with mandated requirements.
• Help families understand student learning and mental health needs.
• Help students transition between school and community learning environments, such as residential treatment or juvenile justice programs.
• Participate in district in-service and professional development meetings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Hold a current and valid clinical license as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (Master’s level) with the Kansas Behavioral Science Regulatory Board: LSCSW, LCMFT, LCP, LCPC
• Minimum of 3 years successfully supporting students with trauma histories, mental health diagnosis, and significant social, emotional, and behavioral challenges.
• Successful experience as a member of a clinical, school counseling, or special education team.
• Demonstrate collaborative and consultative skills.
• Ability to adapt to different building needs and schedule.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent verbal, written and listening communication skills
• Maintain a professional attitude with families and staff.
• Possess and utilize excellent interpersonal skills and professional judgment.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously
• High degree of motivation, responsibility and confidentiality
• Demonstrated ability in compiling, organizing, and analyzing data
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a fast-paced work environment
• Highly collaborative team player
• Travel within district required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, etc.)
• Ability to self-initiate areas of opportunity, make recommendations for improvement, and follow up as necessary to achieve desired results

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position requires the performance of medium work— Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. The position requires close visual acuity for analyzing data, viewing computer, reading, etc. This position includes some lifting, carrying, reaching, standing, walking, talking, grasping, stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity.
The job is performed in generally hazard free environment and a clean atmosphere

IMPORTANT EMPLOYMENT STATEMENTS
The statements above are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. This document describes the position currently available. The District reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.
The Olathe Public Schools prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity in its programs, activities or employment as required by applicable federal and state laws.

CLEARANCE: BACKGROUND CHECK AND HEALTH FORM WITH TB TEST

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Overtime

Work Location: In person