Creative Minds International Public Charter School is seeking a Mental Health Counselor or Social Worker to provide individual, small-group, and classroom guidance services to students in grades K-4. Counselors or Social Worker observe children during classroom and play activities and confer with their teachers and parents to evaluate and support the children's strengths, weaknesses, or special needs. In conjunction with teachers, administrators, and outside providers the Counselor or Social Worker will make sure that the curriculum addresses both the academic and the developmental needs of students.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Uses the majority of the time (80%) to provide direct services (individual and group) to students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) through preventive and responsive services, including individual student planning
• Provide individual and/or group therapeutic support to general education students on an as-needed, temporary basis 
• Work collaboratively with the Student Support Team (SST) to develop plans of assistance for students at risk of academic and/or behavioral difficulty. (specialty area will be considered)
• Work collaboratively with families to better understand cultural and economic disadvantages that may be adversely affecting student progress.
• Provides periodic professional development sessions to teachers so that they are better prepared to meet the socioemotional and behavioral needs of their students
• Develop informal support plans and recommend specific instructional strategies for students.
• Assists families in obtaining out-of-school services for their children through an appropriate referral and follow-up process.
• Participate in Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), IEP, manifestation determination, and other related meetings.
• Work collaboratively within the classroom setting to implement student IEPs.
• Collect data for the purpose of monitoring social/emotional progress and evaluating effectiveness of services.
• Coordinate the Coordinate the design and implementation of Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• Complete student progress reports.
• Serves as liaison between the social services agencies (i.e., D.C. Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) and school personnel.
• Works with administrators to coordinate health education programs and delivery services that address school safety, school attendance, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, child abuse, and neglect. 
• Collaborates with parents/guardians and educators to assist students with educational and career planning. Participates in school management teams in order to advocate for students needs and provide guidance for school staff.
• Other related duties as assigned 

Qualifications, Skills, & Qualities

Successful candidates will possess the following qualifications, skills, and qualities: 

• Master's degree in social work, mental health counseling, or related field
• District of Columbia Certification/Licensure for social worker (LICSW) or mental health counselor (LPC),  or licensed out of state and eligible for District of Columbia licensure.
• At least two years of experience as a school-social worker or mental health counselor preferably in an urban school setting. 
• Familiarity with student information systems. 
• Ability to analyze data to inform work and decision making, analyze and evaluate available data, assess student needs, and develop and implement procedures and policies to support student achievement. 
• Ability to multitask, follow-through and work as a member of a multidisciplinary team. 
• Strong collaborator. 
• A positive attitude, enthusiasm, self-confidence, and flexibility. 
• Ability to self-direct and prioritize among competing goals, exhibit flexibility, and drive results. 
• Adept at thinking strategically, translating plans into action, and exhibiting excellent judgment. 
• Excellent writing, verbal communication, and presentation skills with keen attention to detail. 
• Strong commitment to urban education and the mission of Creative Minds International Public Charter School. 

Note: Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

Creative Minds International PCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.