Edmonton Catholic Schools is a large urban school division whose mission is to provide a Catholic education that inspires students to learn and that prepares them to live fully and to serve God in one another. The Division is comprised of over 50,000 students and over 5,500 employees in 95 schools plus other sites.

##Mental Health Specialist II

Requisition ID: 11171

Hours Per Week: 35

Position: New

FTE: 1.0

Department: Occu, Phy & MH Therapy

No Months Per Year: 10

Position Status: Permanent

Employee Group: OOS

Rate of Pay: $74,166 - $91,750

Posting Closing Date:

The Mental Health Specialist II is a regulated mental health professional who provides advanced mental health support to students, including assessment, psychosocial interventions, and, if necessary, diagnostic assessments. This role encompasses developing tailored interventions, supporting mental health programming, and acting as a key resource for the school community. The role primarily provides individual counselling, small group therapy and Universal design for learning strategies in classes or across the school. The goal is to provide short-term, effective mental health interventions to as many students in need as possible, reducing challenges that hinder their school participation and maximizing their academic learning.

This posting will remain open until filled.

Responsibilities and Activities

Mental Health Therapy Assessment and Services (60%)

• Conduct individual biopsychosocial assessments of students in consultation with staff, families, and multi-disciplinary team (MDT) to determine student counselling goals and needs.
• Utilize a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including restricted psychosocial interventions (e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, other) in individual or small group treatment sessions to promote emotional well-being, resilience and recovery.
• Contribute to the delivery of social-emotional learning (SEL) programs within classes and schools to enhance students' social and emotional skills.
• Provide crisis prevention, consultation, and intervention services, including suicide risk assessments and safety planning, in collaboration with school administrators, key school staff, and family members to ensure student safety and well-being.
• Conduct standardized diagnostic assessments and complete reports that provide a diagnosis, when applicable, using the DSM-5-TR and other diagnostic tools as appropriate.
• Provide psychoeducation, modelling, and strategies to staff and students to establish trauma-sensitive, neurodiversity-affirming, and safe & caring school practices.

Intervention Planning, Documentation and Evaluation (20%)

• Develop therapeutic goals and implement short-term, evidence-based interventions for students experiencing mental health-related challenges/disorders to address their specific needs and promote positive outcomes.
• Recommend evidence-based strategies to school staff and families to support students across contexts.
• Maintain accurate documentation of students’ information, session notes, intervention, and progress.
• Complete assessment reports
• Use outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness of counselling and improve intervention strategies

Collaboration and Consultation (10%)

• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary team members to identify student/family needs, coordinate inter-disciplinary services, as well as share observations, recommendations and support plans.
• Liaise with family, community professionals and health service providers to support comprehensive care or apply strategies across the student’s contexts (home, community and school)
• Act as a resource for school staff regarding mental health strategies and practices to enhance their capacity to support students effectively.
• Make referrals for specialised community mental health assessment for students presenting symptoms of mental health disorders
• Collaborate as needed with other professionals involved with the child and family, including Recovery Alberta, justice and Children & Family Services, to provide integrated support.
• Advocate on behalf of the child and family as appropriate to ensure their needs are met, and their voices are heard

Professional Development and Education (10%)

• Contribute to team and department initiatives assigned by the Manager to achieve division-wide student mental health and well-being goals
• Participate in case consultation with colleagues as needed to develop the team’s overall capacity to support students
• Provide training and workshops for staff and families on topics of mental health to enhance their understanding and capacity to support students.
• Maintain professional registration through annual competency goals and development activities, including conferences, in-services, workshops, peer support, literature searches, and research.

Knowledge. Skills & Competencies

Knowledge:

• Must hold one of the following, plus three years’ experience working in a mental health role:

  • Master’s degree in social work and active clinical social worker registration with the Alberta College of Social Workers, or
  • Master’s degree in occupational therapy with the Alberta College of Occupational Therapists, or
  • Master’s degree in counselling psychology and active registration as a registered psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists (registered psychologist designation required)

• Expertise in concepts of child and adolescent psychology, mental disorders, mental health screening/ assessments, diagnostic criteria and restricted psychosocial interventions to promote recovery

• Training in managing crisis situations, suicide risk assessment and safety planning

• Familiarity with referral process to community mental health specialists, youth & family resources of other social services programs to promote student mental health and well-being.

• Strong understanding of ethical considerations related to informed consent, counselling practices, confidentiality, documentation, risk situations and disclosure of information

• General knowledge of the Division’s operations and business, and general understanding of the Division’s mission and vision in a faith-based environment.

• Knowledge of records management principles, the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA), and the Access to Information Act (ATIA).

• Knowledge of workplace safety and awareness of Occupational Health and Safety regulations.

• Knowledge and alignment with the Division's administrative procedures.

Skills:

• Competency to administer and interpret standardized mental health assessments, including standardized assessments restricted to regulated mental health professionals.
• Expertise in evidence-based interventions for complex mental health issues, including restricted psychosocial interventions for mental health disorders to promote recovery
• Ability to apply therapeutic modalities to address a variety of presenting concerns with students from pre-kindergarten to Grade 12, including intense emotions, non-suicidal self-injury, suicidal ideation, substance use/abuse and significant social problems
• Effective communication and relationship-building abilities with students of varied ages, backgrounds and needs, as well as school staff and other key partners
• Strong mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills to influence decision-making.
• Skilled in supporting and advocating for individuals/groups who may be at increased risk of marginalization based on disability, race, colour, gender identity, family status, or sexual orientation.
• Ability to manage crisis situations with students through risk assessment, safety planning, and involvement of key school staff and family members.

Competencies:

• Maintains high standards of professional conduct, adhering to ethical guidelines, standards of practice and confidentiality requirements to ensure trust and integrity in practice.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify student strengths, address presenting concerns using therapeutic modalities and work effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to develop rapport, trust, and credibility with students, families, staff and other key partners involved in students’ care.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and student needs, demonstrating flexibility in approach and interventions to achieve positive outcomes.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Commitment to continuous professional development, implementing evidence-based practices, and staying updated on new developments in the field of mental health therapy.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary
• 100% employer-paid benefits including extended health, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits and a $700 Health/Wellness spending account (prorated based on FTE)
• Employee and Family Assistant Program (EFAP) – provides access to employees and dependents to confidential support services including mental-health counseling, health/wellness coaching, legal and financial advice, and other forms of support
• Defined-benefit pension plan
• Paid Time Off
• Vacation – Starting at 4 weeks (based on a 1.0 FTE, 12-month position)
• Personal Days – 5 days (based on a 1.0 FTE, 12-month position)
• Christmas Break – Division directed leave with paid days
• Work-life balance – 35-hour workweeks, 7-hour workdays (based on a 1.0 FTE)
• Recreation Centre Discounts (City of Edmonton, YMCA, and GoodLife Fitness)
• Bell Mobility exclusive partner program offers (for personal phone plans)
• Inclusive & supportive work environment

Edmonton Catholic Schools is committed to maintaining a respectful and inclusive workplace that welcomes and values candidates from diverse backgrounds. We hire employees of all faiths for non-teacher positions.

As a Catholic School Division receiving public funding, our schools and departments are imbued with our Catholic Faith. Candidates are expected to exhibit respect and sensitivity towards our Catholic beliefs and practices embraced by both students and staff.

Edmonton Catholic Schools offers a comprehensive benefits program based on contract status as part of its total compensation package.

Before employment, successful candidates will be required to submit a Police Information Check and Intervention Record Check dated within six months of hiring.

Due to the high volume of applications received, only qualified candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted.