Student Advocacy Specialist

Student Advocacy Specialist Richmond County (GA) Student Services Department - Augusta, Georgia This job is also posted in Richmond County School System Job Details

Job ID:

5712998

Application Deadline:

Posted until filled

Posted:

Yesterday

Starting Date:

Immediately Job Description

Department or Location:

Student Services Department

Position Type:

Certified/Classified

GRANT FUNDED

Job Title:

Student Advocacy Specialist

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Reports To:

Coordinator of Support Services

Days Worked:

190 Days (10 months)

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in counseling, social work, psychology, or related behavioral health field, or comparable experience in these fields of expertise with Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) certification. Coursework or experience in data analysis, statistics, or data-driven decision-making.

Certification or Licensure:

Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) certification is required only for applicants who do not possess a qualifying bachelor's degree.

Skills:

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with students, families, educators, community organizations, insurance care coordinators, behavioral health providers, and state agencies. Ability to collect and analyze data to drive data- decision-making. High degree of cultural awareness and competency in cross-cultural practice with children and families

Work Experience:

Experience with or awareness of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).

PRIMARY DUTY

The Student Advocacy Specialist (SAS) coordinates behavioral and mental health interventions for students. Under the supervision of the Coordinator of Support Services, the SAS supports the implementation of comprehensive mental health programming and services within Richmond County Schools. The SAS facilitates the identification of students with, or at risk for, mental health concerns and coordinates appropriate interventions and supports. Additionally, the SAS coordinates, documents, evaluates, and reports outcomes of Tier 1 and Tier 2 behavioral health training programs and materials for the local school system and attends information and training meetings related to school safety and student behavioral health.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordinates a comprehensive system for early identification of students with, or at risk for, behavioral and mental health concerns by analyzing attendance, discipline, academic data, referrals, and screening tools, and by supporting the district's behavioral threat assessment process. Facilitates timely referrals and access to a continuum of supports, including school-based interventions, telehealth services, community behavioral health providers, Community Service Boards (CSBs), private practitioners, community-based programs, and the Local Interagency Planning Team (LIPT). Works collaboratively with school staff, including counselors, social workers, nurses, psychologists, administrators, and safety personnel, to develop and implement coordinated student support and case management plans. Ensures systems are in place to track referrals, monitor follow up, reduce duplication of services, and confirm that students receive appropriate levels of care. Coordinates transition and reintegration support plans for students returning from restrictive settings, including alternative placements, psychiatric or medical facilities, and youth detention centers. Collects, analyzes, and reports data on referrals, services delivered, and student outcomes to evaluate effectiveness of interventions and provide required reports to district leadership and state partners. Develops and maintains partnerships with community agencies and service providers to improve coordination of care, reduce barriers to services, and engage families as active partners in the intervention process. Maintains a current and accessible referral resource of community partners, services, and points of contact for use by school personnel. Coordinates, documents, evaluates, and reports outcomes of Tier 1 (universal) behavioral health prevention initiatives that promote mental health, wellness, and a positive school climate. Supports Tier 2 (targeted) behavioral health interventions by working with schools and community partners to ensure early intervention and access to appropriate services for students with emerging needs. Facilitates Tier 3 (intensive) behavioral health supports, including referrals to wraparound services, therapy or teletherapy, and coordination with behavioral health providers, social services, crisis response teams, CMOs, and insurance care coordinators. Attends and participates in required training sessions and collaborates with school level safety and threat assessment teams to integrate behavioral health supports into district and school safety planning. Carry out such other and further duties, whether specifically listed above or not, as are assigned or required by such employee's supervisor, other appropriate school personnel, law board policy administrative regulation, department handbook, as are necessary to the efficient operation of the school system and its mission.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, stand, and sit. Travel may be required.

Position Type:

Full-Time

Salary:

$37,216 to $50,088 SY Job Requirements Citizenship, residency or work visa required