PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

FARMVILLE, VIRGINIA

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Title:                                         Mental Health Counselor 

Report To:                        Principal/Designee  

FLSA Status:                   Exempt

Summary: The School Mental Health Counselor provides comprehensive mental health services to students to support their emotional, social, and behavioral well-being. The counselor works collaboratively with school staff, families, and community agencies to remove barriers to learning and promote academic success.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

1. Provide individual and group counseling services to students experiencing emotional, behavioral, or social challenges
2. Conduct mental health assessments and screenings to identify student needs
3. Develop and implement intervention plans and progress monitoring strategies
4. Deliver crisis intervention and risk assessments (e.g., suicide risk, threat assessments)
5. Collaborate with teachers, administrators, school counselors, and support staff to support student success
6. Participate in multidisciplinary teams, including IEP and 504 meetings, as appropriate
7. Provide consultation and training to staff on mental health topics and trauma-informed practices
8. Communicate and collaborate with parents/guardians regarding student needs and progress
9. Connect students and families with community mental health resources and services
10. Maintain accurate, confidential records in compliance with FERPA, HIPAA (as applicable), and division policies
11. Assist in developing school-wide prevention and wellness programs
12. Support positive school climate initiatives and social-emotional learning (SEL)

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

QUALIFICATIONS

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Master's degree in School Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or related field 

Experience working with children or adolescents in a school or clinical setting preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Decision-making skills are an important aspect of this position.   Knowledge of child and adolescent development and mental health disorders. Understanding of trauma-informed care and culturally responsive practices. Strong counseling, assessment, and crisis intervention skills. Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgment.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Minimum: Qualified Mental Health Professional 

Preferred: Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Psychologist, 

Valid Driver's License

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Frequent walking, stooping, standing, lifting, up to approximately 30 pounds, and occasional lifting of equipment and/or materials weighing up to approximately 40 pounds may be required.  Other limited physical activities are required.  Travel to schools throughout the division and central office is required.  Frequent operation of a vehicle and office equipment is required.  Regular and frequent contact made at all levels for the purpose of developing and achieving organizational goals and missions.  Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word level; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data. Regular contact with students with special needs is required.  Contact with other staff members, community agencies, and parents is required.  Frequent contact with parents by telephone and in person may be necessary.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Ten-month employment.  Salary will be determined by the current salary schedule.

EVALUATION

Performance of the position will be evaluated annually in accordance with the provisions of the Prince Edward County School Board's policy on evaluation of professional personnel. 

May 1, 2026