Job Abstract

DEFINITION:

Under the direction and general supervision of the site administration, the Wellness Therapist provides increased early interventions for students experiencing social-emotional needs that may be impacting their ability to access their learning. The Wellness Therapist will consult and collaborate with other school, outside agencies, and community resources to promote a positive school environment with the goal of reconnecting students back to their regular learning environment.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Wellness Therapist will be responsible for providing direct social/emotional support, and direct services to students in the TK-8 program. Employees who hold this position will also be responsible for creating and supervising and engaging, positive, and nurturing environment to support students with their needs. Employees who hold this position will exercise their independent judgment in collaborating with and may direct the work of other staff which may include district interns, outside agency therapists, and other school personnel. The Wellness Therapist will be responsible for coordinating schedules, and services, to provide support to meet the needs of a diverse student population.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

The duties listed are typical, but not exclusive:

• Collaborates with the school principal and district administration to meet the identified needs of the students;
• Coordinate student intake process to identify needs;
• Works directly with students and provides support in self-awareness, responsible decision-making skills, relationship skills, social awareness and self-management skills;
• Works with students and develop programs to enhance the social, emotional, behavioral and academic well-being of students;
• Exercise independent judgment in supervising and directing the work of other Wellness Center staff which may include district interns, outside agency therapists, and other school personnel;
• Maintain and update database to meet various District data and reporting needs;
• Work directly with students to respond to trauma and provide crisis management;
• Guides and assists students in peer relationships and in developing effective coping skills;
• Provides individual and small-group counseling;

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES (cont.):

• Provide mental health crisis intervention and assessment;
• Refer students to school programs and outside agencies as appropriate;
• Assist families in accessing and utilizing school and community resources;
• Assist sites in creating safe spaces that nurture respect, are intentional, promote a sense of community, and share diverse viewpoints;
• Coordinates referrals to specialized services and/or community programs;
• Plan, develop, organize and actively participate in staff development, parent meetings and workshops to provide consultation and information on resources to meet the needs of students and families;
• Use best practice crisis management methods and techniques and appropriately make referrals to agencies as needed;
• Assists in planning and implementing strategies aligned with student needs;
• Contributes and maintains student record information and provides data to appropriate individuals;
• Perform other job related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• State curriculum framework for appropriate grade level;
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy;
• Policies and procedures related to appropriate discipline, guidance and supervision;
• Various modern technologies used in teaching and learning;
• Age appropriate teaching methods.

ABILITY TO:

Abilities are required to:

• Work effectively in a multi-ethnic setting;
• Work independently and in a team setting;
• Communicate effectively with individuals from varied educational and cultural backgrounds;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others;
• Perform a variety of specialized and responsible tasks;
• Motivate students;
• Maintain records;
• Prioritize and organize;
• Meet schedules and deadlines;
• Be flexible;
• Exercise confidentiality;
• to participate in panel discussions;
  • to practice discretion, independent action, and/or judgment when using data and/or working with people;
• to use sources of data; and to interact with persons and/or agendas that frequently change;

TRANING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of three (3) years of successful experience- Preferred
• Master's Degree from an accredited university with major course work in one or more of the following:
  • Valid Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Valid Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
  • Valid Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)

TRANING AND EXPERIENCE (cont.):

• Case management experience preferred
• Written and oral fluency preferred in English and Spanish