POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)

MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS RESPONSE ASSISTANT

WORKING TITLE

Mental Health Crisis Response Assistant

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

Counseling and Student Services (CaSS)

LOCATION

Crossroads II, Cary, NC

PAY GRADE

Noncertified Grade 23

FLSA STATUS

Nonexempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

No, grant funded position

WORK WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends) Position is not available for a hybrid telework workweek

POSITION PURPOSE:

Provides support and assists in coordinating mental health crisis response relating to students experiencing chronic mental health issues at school, maintains confidentiality, and complies with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, guidelines, and procedures as they relate to the students requiring mental health crisis response services throughout the district. Maintains an environment conducive to learning.  This position is a grant-funded position dependent on funding provided by the U.S. Department of Education.  Continuation of the position is contingent upon ongoing access to grant funding from the Department of Education during the calendar year and the Department’s renewal of funding for subsequent calendar years.  To the extent that grant funding is continuously renewed, the grant-funded position cannot extend beyond December 31, 2029.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google Apps;
• Working knowledge of successful instructional delivery methods;
• Working knowledge of general classroom activities and routines;
• Ability to protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable information in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and other applicable federal and state laws, policies, and regulations;
• Ability to understand and manage broad mental health issues in students.
• Ability to work in a team environment and effectively collaborate with others;
• Ability to motivate students;
• Ability to constantly monitor and supervise the safety and well-being of students;
• Ability to recognize and support students with a variety of backgrounds, abilities, exceptionalities, behavioral needs, and learning styles;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, students, parents, businesses, community agencies, and the public.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in the field of Psychology, Social Work, Counseling Education or Human Services;
• Experience working with or assisting individuals with mental health issues.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Hold and maintain a Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certification (specific program to be determined by WCPSS Special Education Services) and maintain that certification through the proper renewal process, adhering to all timelines; CPI training will be provided through Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), if needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• First Aid and CPR certifications.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides support and assistance to teachers in coordinating instructional programs for identified students experiencing chronic mental health crises in school, including familiarity with student’s IEP; ensures an encouraging, caring, safe, and healthful environment for all students.
2. Assists teachers with strategies related to the implementation of students’ behavioral intervention plans.
3. Aids teachers with planning and organizing, evaluating instructional activities, developing classroom procedures, and preparing necessary materials; ensures materials for students are readily available according to the needs of the lesson plan.
4. Demonstrates professional and technical skills necessary to function effectively in the classroom and to support student achievement and the school program.
5. Maintains a positive disposition, exercises good judgment, and remains calm when dealing with students at all times.
6. Provides in-class support while promoting progress towards independence and self-determination for all students.
7. Assists teachers with implementation of low and high tech assistive technology and augmentative communication devices in the classroom to meet both class-wide and individual student needs.
8. Compiles, maintains, and files reports, records, and other required documents, maintaining confidentiality.
9. Participates in the district staff development program and continued professional growth in the area of assignment.
10. Coordinates, assists, and facilitates student transitions between classes which may include shadowing and/or redirecting the student to a different location to help address immediate mental health needs.
11. Performs other related duties, as assigned.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES-SATA Only:

1. Assigned to be a one on one instructional assistant to a student who has chronic mental health issues.
2. Attends and successfully completes specialized training, as determined by student needs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This job operates in a professional office and school environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, requires the ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical requirements are consistent with those for medium work. Schools can contact the school’s Physical Therapist for assistance, if needed, for proper lifting techniques.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  3/2025

DISCLAIMER:  The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position.  They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position.  This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.