Job Title

Company DescriptionMental Health ProfessionalPosition Overview The Mental Health Professional (MHP) serves as a specialized student support provider responsible for delivering high-quality, compliant mental health services to students with intensive behavioral and social-emotional needs.In this role, the MHP primarily functions as a Tier 3 intervention provider and IEP service provider, ensuring students receiving counseling and behavioral services through special education receive consistent, evidence-based support aligned to their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).The MHP also coordinates CARE/MTSS processes for students with the most intensive needs, oversees Section 504 plans related to mental health supports, and serves as the school's McKinney-Vento liaison for students experiencing homelessness.This role is designed to ensure compliance with special education service delivery requirements, provide clinical support for students with significant behavioral needs, and strengthen systems that support student well-being across the school community.Who we are:KIPP St. Louis is a part of a national network of free, open-enrollment, public charter schools offering a choice to families and children in St. Louis city. As the largest charter school system in the city, we are driven and committed to our mission and vision.Mission: Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose-college, career, and beyond-so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.Vision: Every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities.KIPP St. Louis currently educates approximately 2,000 students and boasts hundreds of alumni. Today, our St. Louis network consists of three elementary schools, two middle schools, and a high school. What makes KIPP St. Louis unique?We believe that our educators are proving what's possible in urban education each and every day, by inspiring students, and helping them discover the joy of learning. KIPP schools support our educators to help students achieve academic excellence, building the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Together, we are raising the bar for every student, every day.Job DescriptionPosition type: Full time, exempt, 10 Month Reporting & CollaborationDirect Manager: Mental Health ManagerKey Collaborators:School LeadersSpecial Education Case ManagersBehavior Climate SpecialistsTeachers and Instructional StaffFamilies and External Mental Health PartnersAutonomy & Decision MakingThe Mental Health Professional exercises professional judgment in:Designing and delivering therapeutic interventions aligned to student needsMonitoring progress toward IEP counseling goalsConducting risk and safety assessmentsDetermining appropriate clinical supports and referralsRecommending Tier 3 interventions for students experiencing significant behavioral or emotional challengesInputs: What will I be doing in my day to day work?IEP Mental Health Service DeliveryDeliver all IEP-mandated counseling and behavioral support services with fidelityMaintain timely and accurate documentation of services in SpedTrack and SCUTA.Provide individual and small group counseling aligned to IEP goals.Participate in IEP meetings and collaborate with special education teams on student support strategies.Tier 3 Behavioral & Mental Health InterventionProvide clinical support for students experiencing significant behavioral or emotional challenges.Implement evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral strategies, trauma-informed interventions, and solution-focused counseling.Support the development and monitoring of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) for students with intensive behavioral needs.CARE Team / MTSS CoordinationCoordinate or support CARE/MTSS processes for students requiring intensive interventions.Facilitate structured problem-solving meetings to identify barriers to student success.Monitor progress of Tier 3 interventions and adjust supports as needed.Section 504 Coordination Support the development and monitoring of Section 504 plansCollaborate with teachers and families to ensure accommodations are implemented with fidelity.Maintain documentation and compliance with federal guidelines.McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison ResponsibilitiesServe as the school's McKinney-Vento liaison, ensuring students experiencing homelessness are identified and supported in accordance with federal law.Ensure students experiencing homelessness receive immediate enrollment protections and equitable access to school services.Coordinate supports such as transportation, academic access, and participation in school programs.Maintain required documentation and ensure compliance with McKinney-Vento federal requirements.Partner with families and community organizations to connect students with housing, social service, and community resources.Crisis Response & Risk AssessmentProvide crisis intervention and mental health risk assessments when necessary.Support school teams in responding to acute student mental health concerns.Coordinate with families and community agencies when additional supports is required.Family & Community PartnershipMaintain consistent communication with families regarding student progress and needs.Connect families with community resources and external service providers when appropriate.Collaborate with external agencies to ensure coordinated support for students andOutcomes: What will I be evaluated on?Service DeliveryIEP counseling minutes delivered with fidelity and compliance.Student ImpactImproved behavioral and social-emotional outcomes for students receiving Tier 3 supports.ComplianceAccurate and timely documentation of counseling services and intervention progress.Systems CoordinationEffective CARE/MTSS coordination for students with intensive needs.Effective implementation and monitoring of 504 accommodationsStudent Access & EquityStudents experiencing homelessness are identified and supported in compliance with McKinney-Vento requirements.Barriers to enrollment, attendance, and participation are minimized through coordinated school and community supports.What skills should I already bring, i.e., what should I already have a track record around?Successful Mental Health Professionals demonstrate:Expertise in evidence-based mental health and behavioral interventionsStrong knowledge of special education counseling services and compliance requirementsAbility to conduct risk assessments and crisis interventionExperience supporting students with trauma, behavioral challenges, and emotional regulation needsStrong facilitation skills for multidisciplinary problem-solving teamsKnowledge of McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act requirementsExcellent documentation, organization, and time management skillsAbility to build strong relationships with students, families, and school staffQualificationsWhat you bring to the table:RequiredMaster's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related fieldValid state licensure or certification in a mental health disciplineExperience providing counseling or behavioral intervention services to children or adolescentsStrong understanding of student mental health and behavioral support practicesCommitment to improving outcomes for historically underserved studentsPreferredExperience working in a K-12 school settingExperience supporting special education counseling servicesExperience with MTSS or student support systems in schoolsKnowledge of trauma-informed and culturally responsive practicesAdditional InformationWhat we bring to the table:KIPP St. Louis is committed to pay equity and to ensuring that we do not unintentionally perpetuate historic wage gaps that persist due to individual negotiations. As a result, salaries are not negotiated. We are transparent about salaries in our job postings so that candidates can make an informed decision before beginning the hiring process. We are a fast paced, energetic team and family with passionate people who are leading a movement and to cultivate their best working environment we provide the following:$0 deductible healthcare plan option, including medical, vision and dental.Employer Paid Short Term Disability.$50,000 life insurance policy at no cost to the employee.Retirement plan through PSSRSSL with an employer match up to 14% and an optional 403b as a supplement to our pension programEmployee Recognition: When we succeed together, we celebrate together with our annual gala award ceremony, holiday party, and more!Public Service student loan forgiveness program qualified employer.Ongoing professional development.Generous time off:Paid leave for illness, personal days, bereavement, jury duty, and military-related leavePaid parental leave for new familiesPaid holidays, as well as a one week Thanksgiving break, a two-week winter break, a week-long spring breakWellness days provided throughout the yearIf you are interested in working at KIPP St. Louis, please visit our website to find out how to apply! /applyCheck out our KIPP St. Louis video to learn more about KIPP St. Louis Public Schools!KIPP St. Louis is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all our students, families, teachers, staff and community members. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.