Mental health Consultant with Richmond School District SD38 – 05/2022

MENTAL HEALTH CONSULTANT

The Mental Health Consultant provides leadership to the school district in the area of student mental health.  This consultant supports the building of capacity with school staff to better identify, access and implement supports for children and youth with mental health diagnoses, including those with development disabilities.  This includes, but is not limited to, designing, implementing and leading effective professional learning initiatives related to mental health and mental illness, and effective consultation with school and district staff with the goal of supporting the success, well-being and fulfillment of all students.  The applicant will have a thorough understanding of and training in DSM 5 and will have experience and familiarity with the regional health and community services agencies that support students who have a mental illness.  This position is intended to be an integral part of the Learning Services arrary of supports and may, therefore, be involved in a wide variety of initiatives aligned or connected to the work of others in the department.  All positions within Learning Services engage in supporting the implementation of the district’s Strategic Plan, specifically Strategic Priority 1: Inspired Learners and 2: Equity and Inclusion.

Responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with school personnel, CYMH colleagues, Integrated Child and Youth (ICY) teams and families.
• Provide advice on the development, implementation, and adjustment of education plans of children and youth who have a mental illness, and knowledge of psychiatric medications and their uses and impacts.
• Monitor and assess children and youth who are reintegrating into school following community mental health or psychiatric interventions.
• Active member of the District Based Team.
• Coordinate and/or provide psychoeducational services for school teams and families.
• Facilitate connections with community agencies and personnel.
• Advise and coordinate the Adolescent Support Team.
• Support Safe Schools initiatives – this position plays a key role in the VTRA process.
• District partner for POPFASD, providing professional learning, assessment, planning around students with that diagnosis.

Qualifications:

• Minimum Masters or PhD in Counselling/Clinical Psychology, Clinical social work, or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years post masters related experience providing professional services to children and youth with mental health diagnoses and their families.

For further information about this position, please contact Marie Ratcliffe, District Administrator – Student Services.

The Richmond School District is committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve.  Our ability to provide the best education for our student population relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, backgrounds and experiences.  Indigenous applicants, people of colour, all genders, 2SLGTBQ+ and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Preference will be given to those applicants who identify as an Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit or Metis) person as part of their application.

We appreciate the submission of all applicants but advise only those selected for an interview will be contacted.