Job Title

Edmonton Catholic Schools is a large urban school division whose mission is to provide a Catholic education that inspires students to learn and that prepares them to live fully and to serve God in one another. The Division is comprised of over 50,000 students and over 5,500 employees in 95 schools plus other sites. Requisition ID :11159 Position :New FTE :1 Department :Occu, Phy & MH Therapy No Months Per Year :10 Position Status :Permanent Employee Group :OOS Rate of Pay :$74,166 - $91,750 Posting Closing Date : The Mental Health Specialist II is a regulated mental health professional who provides advanced mental health support to students, including assessment, psychosocial interventions, and, if necessary, diagnostic assessments. This role encompasses developing tailored interventions, supporting mental health programming, and acting as a key resource for the school community.The role primarily provides individual counselling, small group therapy and Universal design for learning strategies in classes or across their school. This position will remain open until filled. Responsibilities and Activities 1. Mental Health Therapy Assessment and Services (60%) Conduct individual biopsychosocial assessments of students in consultation with staff, families, and multi-disciplinary team (MDT) to determine student counselling goals and needs. Utilize a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including restricted psychosocial interventions (e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, other) in individual or small group treatment sessions to promoting emotional well-being, resilience and recovery. Contribute to the delivery of social-emotional learning (SEL) programswithin classes and schools to enhance students'' social and emotional skills. Provide crisis prevention, consultation, and intervention services, including suicide risk assessments and safety planning, in collaboration with school administrators, key school staff, and family membersto ensure student safety and well-being. Conduct standardized diagnostic assessments and complete reports that provide a diagnosis, when applicable, using the DSM-5-TR and other diagnostic tools as appropriate. Provide psychoeducation, modeling and strategies to staff and studentsto establish trauma-sensitive, neurodiversity-affirming, and safe & caring school practices. 2. Intervention Planning, Documentation and Evaluation (20%) Develop therapeutic goals and implement short-term, evidence-based interventions for students experiencing mental health relatedchallenges/disorders to address their specific needs and promote positive outcomes. Recommend evidence-based strategies to school staff and families to support students across contexts. Maintain accurate documentation of students information, session notes, intervention, and progress. Complete assessment reports Use outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness of counsellingand improve intervention strategies 3. Collaboration and Consultation (10%) Collaborate with multi-disciplinary team members to identify student/family needs, coordinate inter-disciplinary services as well as share observations, recommendations and support plans. Liaise with family, community professionals and health service providers to support comprehensive care or applying strategies across the students contexts (home, community and school) Act as a resource for school staff regarding mental health strategies and practicesto enhance their capacity to support students effectively. Make referrals for specialized community mental health assessment for students presenting symptoms of mental health disorders Collaborate as needed with other professionals involved with the child and family, including Recovery Alberta, justice and Children & Family Servicesto provide integrated support. Advocate on behalf of the child and family as appropriateto ensure their needs are met and voices are heard 4. Professional Development and Education (10%) Contribute to team and department initiatives assigned by the Manager to achieve division-wide student mental health and well-being goals Participate in case consultation with colleagues as needed to develop the teams overall capacity to support students Provide training and workshops for staff and families on topics of mental healthto enhance their understanding and capacity to support students. Maintain professional registration through annual competency goals and development activities, including conferences, in-services, workshops, peer support, literature searches, and research. Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies Knowledge: Must hold a Masters degree in counselling psychology and active registration as a registered psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists (registered psychologist designation required) plus three years experience working in a mental health role: Expertise in concepts of child and adolescent psychology, mental disorders, mental health screening/ assessments, diagnostic criteria and restricted psychosocial interventions to promote recovery Training in managing crisis situations, suicide risk assessment and safety planning Familiarity with referral process to community mental health specialists, youth & family resources of other social services programs to promote student mental health and well-being. Strong understanding of ethic considerations related to informed consent, counselling practices, confidentiality, documentation, risk situations and disclosure of information General knowledge of the Divisions operations and business and general understanding of the Divisions mission and vision in a faith-based environment. Knowledge of records management principles, the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA), and the Access to Information Act (ATIA). Knowledge of workplace safety and awareness of Occupational Health and Safety regulations. Knowledge and alignment with the Division''s administrative procedures. Skills: Competency to administer and interpret standardized mental health assessments, including standardized assessments restricted to regulated mental health professionals. Expertise in evidence-based interventions for complex mental health issues, includingrestricted psychosocial interventions for mental health disorders to promote recovery Ability to apply therapeutic modalities to address a variety of presenting concerns with students from pre-kindergarten to Grade 12, including intense emotions, non-suicidal self-injury, suicidal ideation, substance use/abuse and significant social problems Effective communication and relationship-building abilities with students with varied ages, backgrounds and need, as well as school staff and other key partners Strong mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills to influence decision-making. Skilled in supporting and advocating for individuals/groups who may be an increased risk of marginalization based on disability, race, colour, gender identity, family status, or sexual orientation. Ability to manage crisis situations with students through risk assessment, safety planning, and involvement of key school staff and family members. Maintains high standards of professional conduct, adhering to ethical guidelines, standards of practice and confidentiality requirements to ensure trust and integrity in practice. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify student strengths, address presenting concerns using therapeutic modalities and work effectively with diverse populations. Ability to develop rapport, trust, and credibility with students, families, staff and other key partners involved in students care. Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and student needs, demonstrating flexibility in approach and interventions to achieve positive outcomes. Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Commitment to continuous professional development, implementing evidence-based practices, and staying updated on new developments in the field of mental health therapy. What We Offer: 100% employer-paid benefits including extended health, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits and a $700 Health/Wellness spending account (prorated based on FTE) Employee and Family Assistant Program (EFAP) provides access to employees and dependents to confidential support services including mental-health counseling, health/wellness coaching, legal and financial advice, and other forms of support Paid Time Off Vacation Starting at 4 weeks (based on a 1.0 FTE, 12-month position) Personal Days 5 days (based on a 1.0 FTE, 12-month position) Christmas Break Division directed leave with paid days Work-life balance 35-hour workweeks, 7-hour workdays (based on a 1.0 FTE) Recreation Centre Discounts (City of Edmonton, YMCA, and GoodLife Fitness) Bell Mobility exclusive partner program offers (for personal phone plans) #J-18808-Ljbffr