Homeless Student and Family Advocate

Note: This is a supplementally funded position and continued employment is dependent upon funding renewal at the end of each school year and will be determined according to District regulations.

This position is Open Until Filled after 5 day mandatory posting window.

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Collaborate with school staff to conduct mental health assessments to students and provide students and families with community agency referrals as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education/Certification:

Bachelor''s degree in education, social work, or related field

Must be willing to be certified as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)

License preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Communicate effectively (verbal and written), interpret policy, procedures, and data

Accurately receive and understand ideas, instructions, questions, problems, solutions or feelings

Proficient in record keeping

Possess a broad-based knowledge of community service providers and awareness of barriers to access of these services

Solve problems of various complexities independently and collaboratively

Ability to prioritize job duties

Ability to deal with multiple types of people in different ways and environments

Knowledge and skills in crisis management

Ability to motivate, direct and influence people

Work Conditions:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions including keyboarding; reaching

Lifting: Lifting and carrying (up to 50 pounds)

Environment: Must be able to work with frequent interruptions and maintain professional demeanor under stress; must be able to work flexible hours

Travel: Frequent district-wide travel, and moderate out of district travel

Regular attendance is an essential function.

Minimum Experience:

Experience in social work, education, and/or case management required; experience in all three - preferred

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Conduct mental health assessments, interpret results, work with students/parents in understanding and addressing student's mental and social needs, collaborate with parent to refer to appropriate resource, and provide follow up information to parent and referral source.
• Collaborate with school personnel to address students' mental health needs in the school setting.
• Provide crisis prevention/intervention services.
• Advocate for student's welfare by serving as a liaison with social services agencies such as Family Support Services, the Pavilion, Texas Panhandle Centers and the Juvenile Justice System for coordination of services.
• Provide individual or group skills training for students in the school or home setting.
• Make home visits as needed for the purpose of gathering helpful information on a student's background and obtaining consents.
• Keep accurate records of cases.
• Other duties, as requested by school administrators that fall within the scope of job description as student and family advocate.
• Follow principles of ethical decision making.
• Provide case management oversight to students and families.
• Ensure confidentiality.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all local policies and state and federal statutes including the Educator Code of Ethics.
• Perform such other tasks and accepts such other responsibilities as may be assigned.