Job Title: VT Project AWARE Designated Agency Mental Health Consultant

Position Type: Full Time

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide consultation to 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.

• Assist in the development of protocol and referral pathways, as well as effective strategies to engage students and families.

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

• Offer 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 DCLT's data-driven review of the effectiveness of MTSS strategies and interventions, revising as indicated.

• Engage in ongoing needs assessments and contribute to the development of Universal, Targeted, and Intensive practices and intervention protocols.

• Collaborate closely with the 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, and staff trainings.

• Collaborate and communicate effectively with 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.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in Mental Health Counseling, Social Work, or a related field; licensure preferred.
• 5+ years of experience working in mental health systems; school mental health experience strongly recommended.
• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based clinical practices and academic frameworks: Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), social-emotional learning (SEL).
• Knowledge of research-based and best-practice interventions for social, emotional, behavioral mental health, and wellness.
• Knowledge of culturally-responsive and developmentally-aligned restorative practices, trauma-responsive practices, and family engagement.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and strong verbal and written communication skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

In addition to performing essential duties satisfactorily, the individual must possess the following:

• 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.
• 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.