Job Abstract

GUIDE is a prevention and intervention counseling program for elementary and middle schools students in the Carlsbad Unified School District. Masters level counseling interns meet with students individually or in groups and offer supportive listening, help students to identify and use their personal strengths. GUIDE counselors offer psycho-education focusing on coping skills and techniques to manage emotions. Some of the topics covered in the GUIDE program are:

• Peer Relationships: social, networking and relationship pressure
• Family relationships: getting along at home with parents and siblings
• Loss and grief: death, divorce, deployment, moving
• Personal growth: managing feelings and stress and improving communication skills

This unique program is a collaborative effort between the Carlsbad Police Department and the Carlsbad Unified School District which supports families and therefore benefits community members.

Basic Functions of Associates/Counselors:

Provide psychotherapy sessions to youth in a school setting. Work within the “scope of practice” and whenever a question or concern comes up, contact the supervisor. Associates are required to keep case notes, present cases in weekly group supervision, comply with state legal and ethical guidelines regarding abuse and confidentiality, and always be mindful of “Ethical Code for California Marriage and Family Therapist.

Distinguishing Characteristics of Associates/Counselors:

GUIDE Program Counselors/Associates are distinguished from the GUIDE Supervisors in that the Counselors/Associates have completed master’s level education and have registered and maintained Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) number with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and have professional liability insurance.

About the Community:
The City of Carlsbad is ideally situated in north San Diego County where a great climate, beautiful beaches and lagoons, and abundant natural open space combine with world-class resorts, family attractions, well planned neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a charming village atmosphere to create the ideal California experience. Covering nearly 40 square miles, the City of Carlsbad is currently home to about 115,000 residents. Thanks to an award-winning growth management plan, the city's infrastructure and services keep pace with development and promote an excellent quality of life.

• Provide mental health and behavioral counseling to students

• Recognize and appropriately take care of individual students' socio-emotional challenges

• Coordinate and facilitate groups for students, such as for improving social skills or addressing behavioral challenges

• Complete regular reports for services provided, such as session notes and incident reports

• Develop working relationships with school personnel

• Evaluate referrals and assess student needs

• Develop preliminary treatment plan

• Develop relationship with students, on going

• Contact parents and make referrals when appropriate

• Collaborate with school team as needed

• Maintain computerized records and database on clients.

• Perform general clerical duties related to other GUIDE program activities.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

To perform a job in this classification, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties as generally described in the specification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties in a specific job. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

Knowledge of:

• City of Carlsbad GUIDE Program, policies, and procedures.
• Methods of statistical data collection.
• General office methods and procedures.
• Computer systems and word processing spreadsheet and database applications.
• Recordkeeping and reporting procedures and methods.
• Basic mathematical principles.
• Proper English usage, punctuation, grammar and spelling.
• Office equipment operation.

Skill in:

Ability to:

• Apply and explain federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Prepare statistical reports and maintain complex record keeping systems.
• Apply and exercise discretion and judgment in resolving problems.
• Operate a microcomputer and appropriate software applications.
• Work independently.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships.
• Work a flexible schedule.

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Completed master’s degree in LMFT and/or LPCC program

• Registered with the California BBS as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and/or Associate Professional Clinical Counselor

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and evidence of a safe driving record.

• This assignment involves working with minors; in accordance with the Health and Safety Code section 10911.5 (a), cannot have any convictions related to drugs, sexual misconduct, assault, or related offenses involving minors.

• Flexibility to work a variety of hours as required.

• Bilingual oral and written language skills are desirable in order to serve the Spanish-speaking population (both youths and their parents participating in the program).