Position Summary: The Mental Health Counselor at Cristo Rey Kansas City Catholic High School will lead the development and delivery of a comprehensive, off-site mental health and social-emotional well-being program, providing counseling, assessment, and targeted interventions for students and their families. This grant supported role focuses on increasing access to evidence-based support that fosters resilience, promotes stability, and strengthens mental health for students and their families. Through these efforts, the position aims to reduce maladaptive symptoms and behaviors while supporting overall student well-being and academic success.
Key Responsibilities: Program Development and Leadership
Design, implement, and manage a comprehensive, school-based mental health program aligned with grant objectives and the Children's Services Fund framework. Integrate evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive therapeutic practices. Establish measurable goals and outcomes focused on access to care, and reduction of maladaptive behaviors.
Clinical Counseling Services
Provide individual and group therapy to students and families experiencing emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. Deliver structured, evidence-based interventions tailored to adolescents in an underserved school setting. Support students in developing coping skills, emotional regulation, and resilience. Provide individual and group counseling services in off-site locations (e.g., schools, community centers, or TBD sites). Travel to partner sites to deliver mental health services as required by grant objectives.
Assessment and Treatment Planning
Conduct mental health assessments, screenings, and risk evaluations. Develop and implement individualized treatment and intervention plans. Monitor progress and adjust services to improve outcomes and academic success.
Crisis Intervention
Provide immediate response to mental health crises, including risk assessment and safety planning. Coordinate follow-up care and ensure adherence to ethical and legal standards.
Family Engagement
Collaborate with families to strengthen support systems and promote student well-being. Provide education, resources, and referrals to external mental health or social service providers. Engage families in a culturally sensitive and accessible manner.
Collaboration and School Integration
Partner with the school counselor, administrators, and staff to integrate social-emotional learning into the school environment. Serve as a consultant to administration on student mental health, classroom strategies, and trauma-informed practices. Participate in student support and multidisciplinary team meetings.
Access and Community Partnerships
Increase access to mental health services by reducing barriers for underserved populations. Develop and maintain partnerships with community-based organizations and providers. Coordinate referrals and continuity of care for students and families.
Data Collection and Grant Reporting
Track and report program outcomes in alignment with grant requirements. Use data to evaluate effectiveness, improve services, and demonstrate impact on student mental health. Maintain accurate clinical documentation in compliance with professional standards and grant requirements while working remotely or in the field.
Mission Alignment
Uphold the Catholic mission and values of Cristo Rey Kansas City in all aspects of service. Promote dignity, equity, and inclusion while advocating for student well-being.
Required Skills and Abilities:
Strong clinical assessment, diagnostic, and therapeutic skills with adolescents. Knowledge of evidence-based practices (CBT, trauma-informed care, solution-focused therapy, etc.). Ability to build trust with underserved and diverse student populations. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with students, families, and staff. Cultural competency and ability to work effectively in a faith-based, urban school environment. Crisis intervention and risk management expertise. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage a self-directed program. Data tracking, reporting, and documentation proficiency. Ability to collaborate across disciplines and build community partnerships. Commitment to equity, inclusion, and student-centered care.
Education and Experience:
Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or related field (required). Active licensure in Missouri (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or equivalent) required. Minimum of 2-3 years of clinical experience providing therapy to adolescents. Experience in school-based, community mental health, or nonprofit settings strongly preferred. Experience working with underserved, diverse, or trauma-impacted populations preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
Spanish-speaking/bilingual strongly preferred to support diverse student and family populations. Experience developing or leading mental health programs. Familiarity with grant-funded programs and outcome reporting.
Cristo Rey Kansas City is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, faculty, and staff.