The Princeton Middle School will be getting a full-time mental health counselor.
The Princeton Public Schools Board of Education approved a job description for the new position at its May 27 meeting.
The school district had contracted with another provider, but opted to create the new position. A social worker is being “re-purposed” for the new job, officials said.
“The administration wanted much more depth in supporting our middle school students, (so) we created the new position that we are very excited about,” school board member Debra Bronfeld said.
According to the job description, the mental health counselor must have knowledge and experience in working with adolescents, as well as facilitating group counseling and youth advocacy projects.
The job goal is to develop and put into place a set of tiered comprehensive support programs to bolster students’ social, emotional and academic success, according to the job description.
The mental health counselor will work closely with school counselors and Child Study Team members to identify students who need more frequent or intensive counseling.
This means working directly with students through individual counseling, group therapy or crisis intervention. Topics may include mental health, family issues, substance abuse, bullying and academic challenges.
The mental health counselor will create programs that are focused on social skills, conflict resolution and healthy relationships.
Also, the mental health counselor will work with parents by running workshops, parent meetings and other informational sessions during the school year.
The mental health counselor will help teachers by running in-service programs and professional development opportunities on topics such as culturally responsive teaching and the impact of emotional well-being on school and social functioning.
