Teen Talk Counselor

The Kids In Crisis TeenTalk program provides critical mental health support and resources to help adolescents navigate difficult circumstances, avoid reaching crisis points, manage crises during and beyond school hours, achieve academic success, and optimize their chances of achieving safe, productive adult lives.

RESPONSIBLITIES: The TeenTalk Mental Health Counselor is responsible for providing confidential counseling and support to students and families in the assigned school and the community. S/he will support and collaborate with existing student support services and school staff by helping to identify at risk youths and develop appropriate actions for early assessment and intervention.

COUNSELING FOR AT RISK YOUTHS IN A MIDDLE / HIGH SCHOOL SETTING

• Provide assessments and counseling, in response to the psycho-social needs of students
• Act on referrals, by self, friends, parents, and school personnel
• Maintain a visible and available presence among the students
• Work collaboratively with in school student support services and staff
• Conduct assessments, including high-risk behaviors
• Make referrals utilizing school services and outside resources
• Maintain confidential client records.
• Enhance awareness of after-hours support services available through Kids in Crisis.
• Participate in Kids In Crisis on call Coverage
• Other duties as assigned

PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL MEETINGS/COMMITTEES/GROUPS

• Provide education in health classes
• Participate in school Safety / Crisis team.
• Network with community agencies.

QUALIFICATIONS (minimum)

• Demonstrated ability to work with middle and high school age groups.
• Knowledge of issues affecting adolescents including high risk behaviors.
• Ability to facilitate individual, family, and group sessions.
• Familiarity with abuse and neglect identification and reporting procedures
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with school administration, staff, community organizations and individuals.
• Knowledge of community resources available to youth and their families.
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills, including writing and public speaking.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree required from an accredited college or university in Social Work or Counseling
• Minimum of two (2) years counseling experience, including crisis intervention, with middle and high school age youth. Or equivalent combination of experience and training