The goal of this program is to improve youth resiliency, leveraging school settings to engage youth and families in innovative community-led solutions to promote resiliency, emotional health and empathy. We aim to reduce stigma, normalize conversations about mental wellness and encourage and support help seeking behaviors.

General Responsibilities:

• Work with contracted schools to establish In-School Empowerment Clubs in elementary schools in at-least four school districts
• Serve as a resource and consultant to the faculty Club Advisor managing a group of ten to twenty students working together to create mental health awareness information
• Develop age-appropriate activities that reduce stigma of mental health problems, identify resources, and engage the general student body in open conversations through assemblies and in-class presentations
• Conduct student outreach and advisor recruitment seeking a staff liaison and students to serve as Club champions
• Support a culture where mental health is discussed, supported and celebrated
• Identify resources and referral options, referring students and families to community-based resources
• Partner with the schools, providing observations and insight into strengths and weaknesses of social and emotional supports in place in the individual schools and support additional solutions
• Develop a personal rapport with students and staff. Clubs would coincide with the social worker’s on-site schedule, as much as possible
• Provide brief on-site counseling for students until the student/family can be connected to longer term care when necessary
• Facilitate family workshops at each participating school district, working with PTAs, Special Education PTAs and students to encourage
• Build and maintain strong relationships with school personnel, students and the community

• At least 3 years working with youth as a licensed practitioner (LCSW, LMSW, LMHC)
• Ability to develop club curriculum and activities
• Knowledge of local resources to address mental health and social emotional needs of students and families
• Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and settings
• A valid NYS license and reliable transportation
• Proficient bi-lingual/Spanish speaking/writing/reading
• Be prepared to use your own vehicle with mileage reimbursement

Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and qualifications for the role to: Kathy Elfers, Chief People and Experience Officer at kelfers@mhaw.org.