School-Based Mental Health Counselor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In our modern society, the importance of school-based mental health counselors has never been more prominent.

As we strive to create a nurturing and supportive educational environment, the demand for compassionate, skilled professionals who can address and navigate the complex world of mental health within our schools grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a school-based mental health counselor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the realm of school-based mental health counseling,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable school-based mental health counselor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

School-Based Mental Health Counselor Duties and Responsibilities

School-Based Mental Health Counselors provide psychological support and counseling services to students within a school setting.

They work closely with teachers, parents, and administrators to ensure the overall mental wellbeing of students.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Evaluate students’ mental health status through one-on-one counseling sessions
• Develop and implement treatment plans based on each student’s needs
• Provide crisis intervention and support for students dealing with trauma, grief, or other mental health issues
• Collaborate with teachers, school staff, and parents to provide consistent support and develop strategies for students’ wellbeing
• Conduct group counseling sessions to address common issues among students
• Identify risk factors or early signs of mental health disorders and provide referrals for additional professional help
• Develop and implement school-wide initiatives and programs that promote mental health awareness
• Provide guidance and educational resources to school staff and parents regarding mental health issues
• Document and maintain records of students’ progress and treatment plans
• Maintain confidentiality of student information in accordance with legal and ethical standards

 

School-Based Mental Health Counselor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated School-Based Mental Health Counselor to join our team.

The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills, a passion for helping young individuals, and a deep understanding of mental health issues, therapy techniques, and counseling methods for diverse student populations.

As a School-Based Mental Health Counselor, you will be expected to identify, diagnose, treat and prevent mental health and emotional difficulties in students.

This includes implementing counseling programs, conducting individual and group therapy sessions, and collaborating with parents and school staff to ensure a supportive environment for all students.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychological assessments and provide therapeutic interventions to students individually or in groups.
• Develop and implement treatment plans addressing behavioral, emotional, academic, and social needs.
• Collaborate with school staff and parents to ensure understanding of student’s mental health needs.
• Coordinate with external mental health agencies for additional resources and support.
• Provide crisis intervention services when necessary.
• Identify and report cases of child abuse or neglect.
• Document and maintain confidential student records in accordance with ethical, legal, and school policies.
• Conduct workshops and training sessions for staff and parents on mental health-related topics.
• Stay updated with latest research and best practices in school-based mental health counseling.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a mental health counselor or similar role.
• Knowledge of various counseling techniques and approaches, including cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and trauma-informed therapy.
• Strong understanding of child development and adolescent psychology.
• Ability to handle crisis situations effectively and responsibly.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field.
• Valid state license to practice counseling or therapy.

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Employee Assistance Program

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: School-Based Mental Health Counselor
• Work Environment: School setting with occasional off-site visits for professional meetings and trainings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the School Principal or appointed School Administrator.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a School-Based Mental Health Counselor Do?

A School-Based Mental Health Counselor primarily works within the educational system, providing mental health services to students and staff.

They work closely with teachers, parents, and school administrators to identify students who may be struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or behavioral problems.

They provide individual counseling, group therapy, and crisis intervention as necessary.

School-Based Mental Health Counselors also develop and implement school-wide mental health programs to promote a positive, safe, and supportive learning environment.

These programs might include workshops on stress management, suicide prevention, or bullying intervention.

Additionally, they may assess and diagnose mental health disorders in students, then create personalized treatment plans that may involve various therapeutic techniques, medication management, or referrals to outside specialists.

Part of their role also involves advocating for students’ needs, helping teachers and staff to better understand mental health issues, and providing educational resources about mental health to the school community.

They are also expected to maintain confidentiality of the student’s information, complying with all legal and ethical standards.

Overall, the School-Based Mental Health Counselor plays a crucial role in the holistic development and well-being of students, ensuring their emotional, psychological, and social needs are met within the school environment.

 

School-Based Mental Health Counselor Qualifications and Skills

A School-Based Mental Health Counselor should possess a set of unique skills and qualifications to effectively support students and the school community, these include:

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, or a related field and licensure to practice in the respective state
• Experience in counseling within a school setting and a thorough understanding of child and adolescent development
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish trust and rapport with students, parents, and school staff
• Excellent communication skills to clearly convey information to students, families, school staff, and other professionals
• Ability to conduct assessments and develop treatment plans based on the specific needs of the students
• Knowledge of various therapeutic interventions suitable for children and adolescents
• Understanding of ethical guidelines and legal regulations in school counseling
• Problem-solving skills to effectively manage crises and help students cope with various challenges
• Cultural competency to understand and respect the diversity among student population
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and respect students’ privacy
• Patience and empathy to help students navigate through their emotional or psychological issues

 

School-Based Mental Health Counselor Experience Requirements

Candidates for a School-Based Mental Health Counselor role are typically required to have a Master’s degree in School Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, or a closely related field.

This education often involves fieldwork or internships, which provide practical experience in a counseling setting.

Entry-level School-Based Mental Health Counselors may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often obtained through their graduate program internships or post-graduate fellowships.

Here, they would gain hands-on experience providing mental health counseling to students under supervision.

Candidates with around 2 to 3 years of experience may have worked in roles such as school counselor, social worker, or clinical therapist.

These roles allow professionals to develop a deeper understanding of mental health issues, therapeutic techniques, and strategies for working with children and adolescents in a school setting.

Those with more than 5 years of experience might have extensive direct counseling experience in a school setting, and possibly leadership experience coordinating school-wide mental health programs, or supervising other counselors or interns.

Furthermore, being a licensed counselor is often a requirement.

The specific license needed can vary from state to state, but generally requires a master’s degree, a certain amount of supervised clinical experience, and passing a state-recognized exam.

Continuing education and professional development may also be necessary to stay current on the latest research and techniques in the field of school-based mental health counseling.

 

School-Based Mental Health Counselor Education and Training Requirements

School-Based Mental Health Counselors typically hold a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field.

Coursework often covers areas such as human development, ethical and legal issues, counseling techniques, psychopathology, and professional orientation.

Supervised clinical experience in counseling, typically gained through internships or practicums, is also crucial for this role.

All states require mental health counselors to be licensed, which typically involves passing a state-recognized exam and completing a certain number of supervised clinical hours.

These licensing requirements differ slightly from state to state.

In addition to the required education and licensure, many School-Based Mental Health Counselors opt to earn professional certification from organizations such as the National Board for Certified Counselors.

Continuing education is also important in this field to stay updated with the latest therapy techniques and research findings.

Some counselors may also choose to pursue a doctoral degree to further specialize in their work and potentially advance in their career.

Counselors should also possess a high degree of empathy, listening skills, and ability to build trust and rapport with students.

 

School-Based Mental Health Counselor Salary Expectations

The average salary for a School-Based Mental Health Counselor is approximately $46,240 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can significantly vary based on factors such as years of experience, the region in which they are working, and the specific budget of the school district.

 

School-Based Mental Health Counselor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a School-Based Mental Health Counselor need?

A School-Based Mental Health Counselor typically needs a Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or social work.

They must also be licensed by the state in which they practice.

Certain certifications, such as Certified School Counselor or National Certified Counselor, may also be required depending on the district.

 

What skills are essential for a School-Based Mental Health Counselor?

Essential skills for a School-Based Mental Health Counselor include strong verbal and written communication skills, exceptional interpersonal skills, and a keen ability to understand and empathize with others.

Counselors should also have excellent problem-solving abilities, and be patient, compassionate, and culturally aware.

 

What are the typical duties of a School-Based Mental Health Counselor?

A School-Based Mental Health Counselor is responsible for providing counseling services to students facing social, emotional, academic, and behavioral issues.

They conduct assessments, create treatment plans, and provide individual or group therapy.

Counselors also work closely with teachers, parents, and other school staff to coordinate care and support for students.

 

What qualities make an effective School-Based Mental Health Counselor?

An effective School-Based Mental Health Counselor is someone who is passionate about helping children and youth, and who is able to establish a strong rapport with students.

They must be empathetic, patient, and nonjudgmental, and should have a strong commitment to confidentiality.

Additionally, they must be able to work well within a multidisciplinary team, and be comfortable advocating for the mental health needs of students.

 

What should you look for in a School-Based Mental Health Counselor resume?

A strong resume for a School-Based Mental Health Counselor should demonstrate relevant educational qualifications and licensure, as well as experience working with children or teenagers in a counseling setting.

Look for evidence of strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a demonstrated commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of students.

Certifications, special training, and knowledge of specific therapeutic techniques may also be advantageous.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the world of a school-based mental health counselor.

And guess what?

It’s not just about offering advice.

It’s about shaping the future, one student at a time.

With our comprehensive school-based mental health counselor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make a difference.

But why stop there?

Unearth more with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to meticulously crafted job listings or refining your CV to perfection.

Remember:

Every student you help is part of a larger mission.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a School-Based Mental Health Counselor (Complete Guide)

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