POSITION SUMMARY:

Provides professional mental health services, clinical and casework services, and counseling and treatment for mentally and emotionally disturbed clients, to deliver Framingham Public Schools’ high expectations for achievement, equal access to high levels of instruction, the achievement of academic proficiency for all students, and the closing of the opportunity gap among subgroups within the schools.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Knowledge of principles, procedures, techniques, trends of clinical and casework services, counseling, and treatment; social aspects and characteristics of mental and emotional disturbances; principles of mental health education; theories and causes of substance abuse; a wide variety of therapeutic and treatment approaches for persons with mental and emotional problems; scope, availability, and activities of community resources, including other mental health and social service agencies;
current trends in mental hygiene, mental health, public health, and social services, including State and Federal programs in these areas.

EDUCATION:

Graduate degree in psychology or social work

SKILLS AND ABILITY:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to develop and maintain the confidence and cooperation of mentally and emotionally disturbed clients and families; perform skilled counseling; develop and implement treatment plans; maintain the confidentiality of client information; interact with clients in a therapeutic way; speak fluently in the target language; communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form; effectively present information and respond to questions from groups including staff, parents and the general public; use reasoning ability to evaluate information and determine/recommend an appropriate course of action; define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff and the community; work independently, prioritize tasks and manage several projects simultaneously; perform duties with awareness of all district requirements, state and federal laws, and Framingham Public Schools policies; work with students of diverse backgrounds with diverse needs in an equitable and inclusive manner that bears witness to cultural proficiency; react professionally and objectively to unpredictable situations (e.g. environmental changes, behavior/aggression, seizure activity, etc.); operate and/or acquire skills to operate a computer and related software including but not limited to Google.

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to move about to provide services and may be required to occasionally traverse throughout the school building. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will have essential duties requiring him/her to work in a classroom with the ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, bend or twist at the neck and trunk. The employee must frequently use hands and/or fingers to handle and/or feel objects and/or tools. The employee occasionally operates a computer and other office productivity machinery (i.e., a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer). The employee must be able to read material from a computer monitor as well as handwritten or printed matter with or without visual aids. The employee must be able to communicate effectively with students and other staff members in person, via email, and on the telephone. The employee may be exposed to volatile and assaultive behavior. On rare occasions, it may be necessary to move quickly across even or uneven surfaces. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is expected to lift at least 20 lbs (i.e. books, school supplies, etc.) and may be asked to operate machinery, tools, or equipment with prior training. The employee should be able to stand, walk and/or push a wheelchair for extended periods of time as well as provide assistance and personal care to students.
The employee will be working in a normal school environment with an acceptable level of noise. The employee interacts with students and other staff members and occasionally must meet multiple demands from several people. While the majority of the workday is spent inside, the employee must spend time outdoors for fire drills.
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.

• Work as a team member with other professionals
• Participate in evaluative and diagnostic staff conferences
• Makes referrals to appropriate professionals, outside agencies, or specialized services
• Prepare written, and statistical reports
• Operate a personal computer and other office equipment
• Communicate effectively with others in person, over the telephone, and via remote platforms
• Analyze data, interpret direction, procedures, and regulations, and develop appropriate responses
• Perform job duties under stressful conditions
• Respond appropriately to situations
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or county regulations
• Make presentations as needed
• May be assigned some lead and special work coordination responsibilities
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned