Job Description:

JOB TITLE: Part-Time OR Full-Time Mental Health Specialist
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 2025-2026 Academic School Year
CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled
SALARY: Per Board Approved New Hire Salary Guide
BENEFITS: ASRS, Medical and Dental Insurance, 301 Compensation, professional development stipend , paid personal leave

Please send resume, letter of interest, and 3 references to Executive Director, Carissa Morrison, at carissamorrison@fjacademy.com to be considered for an interview.  Letters of reference will be required during the selection process.

JOB GOAL: Candidate will work collaboratively with teachers and administration to develop and sustain a comprehensive school counseling program that enhances students’ socio-emotional wellness and academic achievement. The candidate will support students through preventive and responsive services, including individual student planning. Further, the candidate will use data and collaborate with the Leadership Team to ensure that the comprehensive counseling program meets students’ and staff’s needs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. Degree in counseling or social work
2. IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. Eligible to earn a school counseling or school social work certificate through the Arizona Department of Education: https://www.azed.gov/wellness/sspcertification
2. Four or more years’ demonstrated successful teaching, counseling, and/or leadership experience
3. Strong communication and organizational skills
4. Ability to model district standards of ethics, confidentiality, and professionalism
   Valid DPS fingerprint card and clean background check

 JOB DESCRIPTION:

 For more information about our school visit our website – www.fjacademy.com.

FJA, a Pre-K through 8th grade public charter school of approximately 400 students, is seeking a dynamic mental health specialist to join our talented team.  The selected candidate will use the majority of the time (80%) to provide direct services to students through preventive and responsive services, including individual student planning, and use the remaining time in program development and management and systems support.  Our school has small class sizes, dedicated staff, and committed parents. Our elementary school is Montessori inspired and all grades focus on experiential learning and community. FJA has early-release Fridays.

 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Use data to develop and inform the school counseling program and evaluate the program’s impact on the school’s instructional goals.
2. Collaborate on the development and management of the comprehensive school counseling program with the school administrator or instructional leader.
3. Utilizes responsive counseling, initiating individual and group sessions for students’ personal, social and academic concerns.
4. Assesses student needs and makes referrals to appropriate school resource personnel, social agencies, community agencies and alternative programs.
5. Intervenes during crisis situations and participates on school crisis team.
6. Plans and coordinates programs such as career exploration fairs, test preparation, improved/perfect attendance celebrations and other extensions of the counseling program.
7. Provides in-service training on topics related to the school counseling program and supporting student achievement.
8. Uses all available data, including academic grades, discipline referrals and attendance data, to identify students in need and to deliver services.

ADDITIONALLY, THE CANDIDUTE MUST DEMONSTRATE:

Commitment to Equity: Passionate about closing the achievement gap and ensuring that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, receives an excellent education.

Innovative Problem-Solving: Approaches work with a sense of possibility and sees challenges as opportunities for creative problem solving; takes initiative to explore issues and find potential innovative solutions.

Teamwork: Increases the effectiveness of surrounding teams through collaboration, constant learning and supporting others; sensitive to diversity in all its forms; respects and is committed to learning from others

Dependability: Does whatever it takes to consistently deliver with high quality under tight deadlines; successfully manages own projects through strong organization, detailed workplans, and balancing of multiple priorities.

EVALUATION:

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with FJA Governing Board Policy.