Mental Health Support Specialist - Henley Middle School - 2026-27 School Year
Albemarle County Public Schools, Crozet, VA, United States
Mental Health Support Specialist – Henley Middle School
2026-27 School Year
In Albemarle County Public Schools, we work together to end the predictive value of race, class, gender, and special capacities for our children’s success through high-quality teaching and learning for all. We seek to build relationships with families and communities to ensure that every student succeeds. We will know every student!
We are the first public school division in Virginia to develop and implement an Anti-Racism policy with the expressed purpose of building school communities that share the responsibility to recognize and end racism, eliminate inequitable practices that result in achievement gaps, and support the unique gifts, talents, and interests of every child. In ACPS, “all” really means all.
General Definition Of Work
The Mental Health Support Specialist promotes and enhances the overall academic mission by providing services that strengthen home, school, and community partnerships and address barriers to learning and achievement by providing mental health services to and on behalf of students. This role contributes to a healthy, safe, and caring environment through consultative and collaborative work with school staff, division leaders, and parents/guardians in support of PK-12 student mental health and wellness. It includes understanding the emotional and social development of children and the influences of family, community, and cultural differences on student success and implementing effective intervention strategies.
Essential Functions
Understands and utilizes effective therapeutic strategies for adapting the general and social curriculum to meet the needs of individual students.
Works collaboratively with community agencies and outside therapists for students and incorporates techniques and interventions practiced within outside therapy sessions when appropriate; understands the reciprocal relationship of sharing confidential information with these individuals.
Provides mental health consultation to staff members and caregivers at assigned schools, including initial assessment of needs and referral to community-based mental health supports.
Facilitates annual threat assessment training with new administrators and student support service team members (counselors, social workers, psychologists, nurses, etc.).
Provides support to school-level teams to complete the threat assessment process.
Contributes regularly to the school-based critical incident responses to assist school communities with planning, resources, and grief/loss support.
Conducts Return to Learn training (re-entry plans) for school personnel in support of students returning to school following psychiatric treatment and in need of school-based mental health supports.
Prepares and utilizes assessment methodologies adapted for individual students, including physical/emotional/social/behavioral adaptations to meet needs; uses multiple sources of evidence and clear recommendations for improving services on an ongoing basis.
Demonstrates knowledge of school and community resources available to assist students and families, and shares knowledge with colleagues.
Assists students and families in gaining access to formal and informal school and community resources; identifies appropriate resources and establishes follow-up activities to facilitate effective utilization.
Consults and collaborates with other resources (e.g., school psychologist, family support workers, school counselors) to align efforts and plan for respective roles in modifying the student’s behavior or social/emotional well-being.
Implements suicide prevention programs (e.g., Signs of Suicide, Sources of Strength) including training, consultation, and data collection/analysis.
Uses data measures in the development and implementation of interventions.
Demonstrates specialized skills in crisis intervention, assessment of crisis situations, and de-escalation and prevention strategies within the educational setting.
Leads problem-solving discussions on attendance, diversity, mental health, suicide prevention/awareness, behavior management, crisis intervention, homelessness, child abuse, neglect, and confidentiality with staff to meet student needs.
Occasional home visits in evenings and on weekends as needed.
Maintains documentation of family/teacher communications to ensure high-priority home-school communication.
Observes and follows Albemarle County Public Schools policies and procedures.
Other duties as assigned by the Albemarle County Public Schools administration.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Demonstrates extensive skill and knowledge in Counseling / School Social Work / individual and group therapy and intervention with knowledge of principals, theories, and methods of practice, with application within the educational setting. Must possess excellent organizational and communication skills, both verbally and in writing with students, staff, parents, and agency personnel. Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with teachers, parents, administrators, advocates, students, and others. Ability to analyze student performance, design appropriate individual behavior programs, and monitor student progress; work effectively as a team member.
Education And Experience
Master’s Degree required, preferably in a related field. Endorsement as a School Counselor or School Social Worker through the Virginia Department of Education and/or certification as a School Social Worker, School Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or Qualified Mental Health Professional - C with the Virginia Department of Health Professions is required. Prior experience working with children with disabilities in a public, private school, or clinical setting is preferred. Experience designing, implementing, and monitoring individual programs for students and experience providing staff development training to classroom personnel is preferred.
Physical Conditions And Nature Of Work Contacts
Employees in this position will be required to work in indoor and outdoor environments, travel between school sites across the school division, and have direct contact with Albemarle County staff, students, district staff, and the public. The ability to sit for extended periods, enter data into a computer, operate standard office equipment, and communicate effectively is required. Must be able to see and read a computer screen and printed matter, hear and understand speech, speak clearly, and physically move as needed (up to 25 pounds).
Evaluation
Performance will be evaluated on the ability and effectiveness in carrying out the responsibilities above.
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2026-27 School Year
In Albemarle County Public Schools, we work together to end the predictive value of race, class, gender, and special capacities for our children’s success through high-quality teaching and learning for all. We seek to build relationships with families and communities to ensure that every student succeeds. We will know every student!
We are the first public school division in Virginia to develop and implement an Anti-Racism policy with the expressed purpose of building school communities that share the responsibility to recognize and end racism, eliminate inequitable practices that result in achievement gaps, and support the unique gifts, talents, and interests of every child. In ACPS, “all” really means all.
General Definition Of Work
The Mental Health Support Specialist promotes and enhances the overall academic mission by providing services that strengthen home, school, and community partnerships and address barriers to learning and achievement by providing mental health services to and on behalf of students. This role contributes to a healthy, safe, and caring environment through consultative and collaborative work with school staff, division leaders, and parents/guardians in support of PK-12 student mental health and wellness. It includes understanding the emotional and social development of children and the influences of family, community, and cultural differences on student success and implementing effective intervention strategies.
Essential Functions
Understands and utilizes effective therapeutic strategies for adapting the general and social curriculum to meet the needs of individual students.
Works collaboratively with community agencies and outside therapists for students and incorporates techniques and interventions practiced within outside therapy sessions when appropriate; understands the reciprocal relationship of sharing confidential information with these individuals.
Provides mental health consultation to staff members and caregivers at assigned schools, including initial assessment of needs and referral to community-based mental health supports.
Facilitates annual threat assessment training with new administrators and student support service team members (counselors, social workers, psychologists, nurses, etc.).
Provides support to school-level teams to complete the threat assessment process.
Contributes regularly to the school-based critical incident responses to assist school communities with planning, resources, and grief/loss support.
Conducts Return to Learn training (re-entry plans) for school personnel in support of students returning to school following psychiatric treatment and in need of school-based mental health supports.
Prepares and utilizes assessment methodologies adapted for individual students, including physical/emotional/social/behavioral adaptations to meet needs; uses multiple sources of evidence and clear recommendations for improving services on an ongoing basis.
Demonstrates knowledge of school and community resources available to assist students and families, and shares knowledge with colleagues.
Assists students and families in gaining access to formal and informal school and community resources; identifies appropriate resources and establishes follow-up activities to facilitate effective utilization.
Consults and collaborates with other resources (e.g., school psychologist, family support workers, school counselors) to align efforts and plan for respective roles in modifying the student’s behavior or social/emotional well-being.
Implements suicide prevention programs (e.g., Signs of Suicide, Sources of Strength) including training, consultation, and data collection/analysis.
Uses data measures in the development and implementation of interventions.
Demonstrates specialized skills in crisis intervention, assessment of crisis situations, and de-escalation and prevention strategies within the educational setting.
Leads problem-solving discussions on attendance, diversity, mental health, suicide prevention/awareness, behavior management, crisis intervention, homelessness, child abuse, neglect, and confidentiality with staff to meet student needs.
Occasional home visits in evenings and on weekends as needed.
Maintains documentation of family/teacher communications to ensure high-priority home-school communication.
Observes and follows Albemarle County Public Schools policies and procedures.
Other duties as assigned by the Albemarle County Public Schools administration.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Demonstrates extensive skill and knowledge in Counseling / School Social Work / individual and group therapy and intervention with knowledge of principals, theories, and methods of practice, with application within the educational setting. Must possess excellent organizational and communication skills, both verbally and in writing with students, staff, parents, and agency personnel. Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with teachers, parents, administrators, advocates, students, and others. Ability to analyze student performance, design appropriate individual behavior programs, and monitor student progress; work effectively as a team member.
Education And Experience
Master’s Degree required, preferably in a related field. Endorsement as a School Counselor or School Social Worker through the Virginia Department of Education and/or certification as a School Social Worker, School Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or Qualified Mental Health Professional - C with the Virginia Department of Health Professions is required. Prior experience working with children with disabilities in a public, private school, or clinical setting is preferred. Experience designing, implementing, and monitoring individual programs for students and experience providing staff development training to classroom personnel is preferred.
Physical Conditions And Nature Of Work Contacts
Employees in this position will be required to work in indoor and outdoor environments, travel between school sites across the school division, and have direct contact with Albemarle County staff, students, district staff, and the public. The ability to sit for extended periods, enter data into a computer, operate standard office equipment, and communicate effectively is required. Must be able to see and read a computer screen and printed matter, hear and understand speech, speak clearly, and physically move as needed (up to 25 pounds).
Evaluation
Performance will be evaluated on the ability and effectiveness in carrying out the responsibilities above.
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