MENTAL HEALTH CONSULTANT

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Through a federal award from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the VT Department of Mental Health and the VT Agency of Education continue the collaborative partnership from the 2018 Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education) to engage three new regional teams of Local Education Agencies and their regional Designated Mental Health Agencies. Together, these state and local partners will develop sustainable infrastructure for social, emotional, and mental health supports within the Vermont Multi-Tiered System of Support Framework (VTmtss).

Students in VT are experiencing increased mental health concerns, especially students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender and/or students who experience health disparities related to their race/ethnicity and have less access to timely mental health supports. Vermont will establish structures for the scale-up and sustainability of mental health and wellness supports within the Vermont Multi-Tiered System of Support Framework (VTmtss) throughout the identified districts/Supervisory Unions, which can also be shared across all districts in the state.

OBJECTIVE/PURPOSE:

Provides consultation to Local Education Agencies( LEA) administration, MTSS )team, and other relevant education staff on mental health concepts, screening, prevention and intervention approaches for student social, emotional, mental health and wellness, protocol and referral pathways development, and effective strategies to engage students and families.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Participate in a district/ community leadership team (DCLT) that includes LEA administrators and leadership from other community service organizations to conduct a needs assessment, plan interventions across all levels of MTSS, and evaluate effectiveness of MTSS strategies and intervention through shared data and resources specific to the area.

Provide mental health consultation on the selection, implementation, and continuous review of a district-wide universal screener for student social, emotional, and behavioral needs.

Support the DCLTs data-driven review of the effectiveness of MTSS strategies and interventions, revise as indicated.

Participate in ongoing needs assessments and the development of Universal, Targeted, and Intensive practices and intervention protocols.

Work closely with Project AWARE LEA Coordinator to ensure effective data collection methods in screening, referral, and services received.

Support the development of mental health and wellness related policies and procedures such as: universal screening assessments, referral protocols, suicide prevention, crisis intervention, behavioral threat assessment, staff trainings, etc.

Collaborate and communicate effectively with Vermont Agency of Education( VTAOE), VT Department of Mental Health, LEA, other AWARE regions, technical assistance entities, evaluator, and community members.

Participate in evaluation activities related to Project AWARE.

* In addition to the above, performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Ability to develop and foster positive interpersonal relationships with interagency partners, peers, families, and local school staff

Excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing

Ability to communicate effectively in difficult situations

Experience with public speaking and presenting

Extensive knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Products

The ability to problem solve, troubleshoot and be flexible

Knowledge of the organization, capabilities, access pathways, levels of care, and resources of VT mental health and social services systems including VT Act 264 System of Care for children, youth, and families

Amount of Travel

Travel required for some trainings, meetings, and consultation with local school-based teams

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Social Work, Psychology or related counseling field with experience working with children/ youth. Experience with school systems desired. Licensure or eligible to pursue licensure in Vermont as Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Social Worker, or Psychologist or Mental Health Professional.