Alternative Program Mental Health & Student Support Specialist

Alternative Program Mental Health & Student Support Specialist Pickens A. R. Lewis Opportunity School - Pickens, South Carolina This job is also posted in CERRA-SC, and SDPC Job Details

Job ID:

5721025

Application Deadline:

May 25, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

Posted:

Yesterday

Starting Date:

To Be Determined Job Description Alternative Program Mental Health & Student Support Specialist School District of Pickens County - 2026-2027 School Year Position Overview The School District of Pickens County is seeking a highly skilled and student-centered professional to serve as the Alternative Program Mental Health & Student Support Specialist for the district's alternative education program beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. This role will support both secondary and newly added elementary students within the alternative setting by providing social-emotional, behavioral, and mental health support services designed to improve student outcomes, increase self-regulation skills, and support successful transitions back to students' home schools when appropriate. The position is designed to function within the district's Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework and provide intensive Tier 3 behavioral and emotional supports for students with significant social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs. This position may be filled by a Master's-level counselor, school counselor, LPC-A, LPC, LCSW, or similarly qualified mental health professional. Preference will be given to candidates with experience working with at-risk youth, crisis intervention, behavioral support systems, and alternative education settings. Reports To - Executive Director of Student Services and Alternative Program Administration Work Year - Up to 190 days annually Primary Purpose To provide direct mental health, behavioral, and social-emotional support services to students enrolled in the district's alternative education program, while collaborating with families, schools, community agencies, and district personnel to improve student behavior, emotional regulation, coping skills, school engagement, and successful reintegration into traditional school environments. Essential Duties and Responsibilities - Student Mental Health & Behavioral Support Provide individual and small-group counseling and therapeutic support services for students experiencing emotional, behavioral, or social difficulties. Facilitate social-emotional learning lessons, coping skills instruction, regulation strategies, and pro-social behavior development activities. Assist students in developing leadership skills, self-awareness, conflict resolution skills, and positive peer interactions. Support students in adjusting to alternative school placement and assist with successful transitions back to their home schools. Conduct brief follow-up check-ins with students after reintegration into their home schools as appropriate. Assist in the development and implementation of behavior intervention and support plans. Provide in-the-moment therapeutic support during periods of emotional distress, escalation, grief, anger outbursts, anxiety, or behavioral crisis. Conduct crisis response, risk assessments, suicide risk screenings, and assist with safety planning when necessary. Collaborate with School Resource Officers, administrators, families, and community agencies when involuntary hospitalization or emergency intervention is being considered. Maintain accurate and confidential records, case notes, documentation, and Medicaid billing documentation when applicable. Family & Community Collaboration Serve as a liaison between the school, home, and community agencies to support student success. Assist families in identifying and accessing appropriate community resources, behavioral health supports, psychiatric services, and outside counseling services. Collaborate with community mental health providers, social service agencies, and behavioral health organizations to coordinate services and support. Coordinate guest speakers, prevention programs, and wellness initiatives that support student mental health and behavioral growth. Communicate effectively with parents/guardians regarding student progress, concerns, and available support services. School & Staff Support Collaborate with teachers, administrators, interventionists, and support staff regarding student behavioral, emotional, and mental health needs. Participate in MTSS meetings, IEP meetings, 504 meetings, staffing meetings, manifestation determination reviews, and other student support meetings as requested. Support faculty and staff through consultation, training, and behavioral health guidance. Assist in strengthening school-wide systems of support related to trauma-informed practices, emotional regulation, crisis response, and student behavior. Promote a positive school culture and climate focused on student growth, restoration, accountability, and relationship-building. Program Development & Leadership Support the development and implementation of school-based mental health programming within the alternative education setting. Assist with prevention and intervention initiatives aligned to MTSS Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports. Collect and analyze student support data and assist in evaluating program effectiveness and student outcomes. Help build systems and structures that support elementary and secondary students within the alternative setting. Maintain professional ethical standards and comply with all district, state, federal, FERPA, HIPAA, Medicaid, and professional licensing requirements. Minimum Qualifications- Education & Certification - One of the following preferred: Master's Degree in Counseling, School Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or related mental health field Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC or LPC-A) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) South Carolina Certified School Counselor Experience Minimum of three years of experience working with at-risk students, behavioral support systems, families, and/or community agencies preferred. Experience in alternative education, crisis intervention, behavioral health, elementary or secondary school settings preferred. Experience handling crisis situations including self-harm concerns, suicidal ideation, grief, emotional dysregulation, and aggressive behaviors preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of child and adolescent development, behavioral interventions, trauma-informed practices, and mental health supports Knowledge of MTSS, behavior intervention planning, crisis response, and school-based support systems Strong understanding of emotional regulation techniques and coping strategies Ability to establish effective relationships with students, families, staff, and community providers Strong oral and written communication skills Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional discretion Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced school environment Ability to manage crisis situations calmly and effectively Strong organizational and documentation skills Proficiency with technology and electronic documentation systems

Position Type:

Full-Time Job Requirements Citizenship, residency or work visa required