Mental Health Guidance Counselor

The dePaul School for Dyslexia is a specialized, independent school dedicated to the education of children in 1st-8th grades with dyslexia and related language-based difficulties, with the primary goal of enabling these students to achieve academic and personal success. The dePaul School embraces a school-wide vision and commitment to the following core values.

• RESPECT the child – showing understanding and acceptance of their challenges.
• TEACH the child – with research-based proven curriculum and methodologies.
• CHALLENGE the child – to meet their potential, setting appropriate expectations.
• INSPIRE the child – promoting strengths, fostering creativity and building self-confidence through praise and encouragement.

• Founded in Clearwater in 1983
• Independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
• Full-time day school for students in 1st - 8th grades
• Signature Orton-Gillingham based remediation methodology, dePaul Structured Linguistics (DPSL)
• Appropriately leveled and paced classes and workload
• Compassionate and challenging environment
• Small class sizes (Max 12)

Title: School Guidance Counselor

• Provide individual and group counseling services to students.
• Address behavioral issues and provide crisis intervention when necessary.
• Collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to support student success.
• Coordinate and implement prevention programs related to bullying, substance abuse, and mental health.
• Offer resources and referrals to external support services.
• Support students in developing social skills and managing peer relationships.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of student interactions.
• Participate in continuing education and professional development opportunities.
• Advocate for student needs within the school community.
• Train teaching staff on reporting, ethics, behavior (annually during Aug pre planning).

Required:

• Licensed as a mental health therapist (LMHC, LMFT, LCSW)
• Masters or Doctorate degree in Counseling or Education
• Experience working with school-age children and their parents in a mental health and/or school setting
• Professional Liability Insurance (unless the school insurance will cover them)
• Experience assessing risk issues with children and teens; crisis intervention

Preferred:

• Experience in working in / with / or coordinating with school settings
• Experience teaching social skills, coping skills to children individually and in groups
• Experience providing Parenting support
• Experience setting up and supporting behavior management and interventions
• Experience working with children with special needs such as learning disabilities

• Contract (1099)
• 8 hrs per week on average