Under the direction of the Program Supervisor of Behavioral Health Services, the License Professional of Healing Arts (LPHA) will serve as a resource regarding child/adolescent mental health and substance use for school and education service center (ESC) personnel.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Increasing ESC and school personnels awareness and understanding of mental health and co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. This position also assists personnel in the implementation of initiatives related to mental health or substance use and ensures personnel are aware of: 1) Best practice-based programs and research-based practices, and 2) Other public and private mental health and substance use programs. Incumbent is responsible for facilitating Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainings and other trainings regarding: 1) The impact of grief and trauma, 2) Special considerations in supporting children with intellectual or developmental disabilities who are impacted by grief or trauma, and 3) Prevention and intervention programs proven effective in helping students cope with pressures to use alcohol, cigarettes, or illicit drugs; or misuse prescription drugs.

The LPHA will complete a needs assessment related to mental health and substance use and misuse for children, adolescents and families in the targeted ESC area by working closely with: Texas Health and Human Services Commission Childrens Mental Health Unit Program Specialist; The Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA); The MHFA Outreach Worker; The ESC staff; The local school districts; and Other community stakeholders. This position serves as the liaison and collaborate between systems including: LMHA, ESCs, school districts, community agencies, and state agencies. The incumbent will design, implement, and coordinate a calendar of events and complete/submit monthly reporting template to LMHA supervisor.

HFC incorporates principles of trauma-informed care throughout the agency, emphasizing cultural sensitivity and a safe and respectful environment for all individuals served and staff. All job descriptions include the responsibility to learn about and implement trauma-informed practices within the scope of work for the position. Reassignment is a condition of employment that may occur at the employers discretion. Your work location and hours could change based on program needs. Possibly subject to federal vaccination mandate, including provisions for claiming exemptions.

Education, Training, and Experience

Required experience: Masters degree or higher Graduated from an accredited college or university AND licensed in Texas as a Licensed Professional of the Healing Arts (i.e. Physician, LPC, LCSW, LMFT). Must have current drivers license and be insurable under Center insurance. Must pass and maintain all Center mandated trainings.

Preferred experience: working with a diverse population which includes (but is not limited to) mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, substance abuse, and child and adolescent populations; training others using diverse techniques tailored to different audiences; growing or developing new programs. A working understanding/knowledge of a school district environment is beneficial in this position.

Background checks, including fingerprinting, will be conducted by Helen Farabee Centers. Assurance will be provided to the Education Service Center to ensure compliance before work begins with the ESC.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to set priorities and work with a high degree of autonomy.
• Comfort with public speaking to small, medium, and large groups (in-person and virtually).
• Ability to build relationships, establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the program.
• Ability to communicate effectively: speak, listen, and write in a clear thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
• Fosters teamwork: works cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance the program effectiveness.
• Skilled in organization: sets priorities, develops a work schedule, monitors progress towards goals and tracks details, data, information, and activities.
• Skilled in planning: able to determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement action plans, and evaluate the process and results.
• Ability to problem solve: assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.