ERMHS Counselor (Educationally Related Mental Health Services)

Position Overview

The School-Based Mental Health Counselor provides prevention and early intervention services to students across the district. The role includes direct mental health services, counseling, and coordination with school staff and community partners to support student well-being, academic performance, and social-emotional development.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Services

Provide individual, group, and family counseling

Conduct assessments, interviews, and classroom observations

Develop and monitor individual behavior and academic support plans

Support students with issues affecting school performance and well-being

Collaboration & Consultation

Work with school teams (SST, IEP, 504 teams), staff, parents, and agencies

Participate in student support meetings and IEPs as needed

Connect families with school-based or community mental health resources

Crisis & Prevention Support

Assist in suicide prevention, threat assessments, and crisis intervention

Lead or support in-service training for students, staff, and parents

Promote mental health awareness and stigma reduction strategies

Reporting & Documentation

Prepare and maintain accurate case notes and reports

Collect and analyze student outcomes to evaluate service effectiveness

Ensure compliance with timelines and confidentiality requirements

Required Knowledge

Child and adolescent development

Mental health diagnosis, treatment, and counseling techniques

Special education law and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)

Behavioral strategies and social-emotional learning supports

Community mental health resources

Crisis counseling and intervention methods

Required Skills & Abilities

Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards

Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders

Work independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams

Conduct mental health assessments and counseling

Manage time and documentation efficiently

Provide training and workshops to staff and parents

Physical Demands

Visual and auditory ability to interact and communicate

Operate office equipment and computers

Sit, stand, bend, lift (up to 20 lbs.), and move around school sites

Travel between school locations as needed

Minimum Requirements

Licensed Clinical Social Worker and/or Marriage and Family Therapist 

Valid California driver’s license

Fingerprint clearance (DOJ/FBI)

Physical exam clearance

First Aid/CPR certification

Preferred Qualifications

2+ years experience working with school-age children in educational or mental health settings

Experience with school-based counseling programs or student support services