The Director III of Mental Health and School Counseling leads the strategic development, implementation, and oversight of comprehensive mental health and counseling services in Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) operated schools, as well as the strategic development, implementation, and evaluation of technical assistance and training programs in service to Los Angeles County Local Education Agencies (LEAs). This position reports directly to the Chief of Wellbeing and Support Services.  This leadership role involves collaborating with state and regional partners, district administrators, county departments, and community-based organizations to promote and support the mental well-being of students through strategic initiatives and partnerships, including regional implementation of the state’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI). The Director will lead the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based services and supports that address the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students, fostering a positive school climate and improving academic outcomes in LACOE operated schools and countywide. 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Program Leadership and Management: Develop, implement, and oversee county-wide mental health and counseling initiatives that support the diverse needs of students. Establish strategic goals, objectives, and metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and services. 
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as policies related to mental health and school counseling services. 
• Manage the budget for mental health and counseling programs, ensuring efficient and effective use of resources.   
• Collaboration and Partnership Development: Collaborate with LEA administrators, counselors, psychologists, social workers, and other stakeholders to integrate mental health services into the broader educational framework. 
• Establish and maintain partnerships with community mental health organizations, Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans (MCPs), healthcare providers, and other external partners to enhance services and resources available to students. 
• Serve as the primary liaison between LACOE and mental health agencies, advocating for the needs of students and schools.
• Staff Supervision and Professional Development: Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate a team of mental health and educational support services leaders and professionals, including school counselors and social workers. 
• Provide ongoing professional development and training opportunities for school-based counselors and mental health staff to ensure they are equipped with the latest evidence-based practices and tools.
• Foster a supportive and collaborative team environment, encouraging innovation and continuous improvement.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Oversee the collection and analysis of data related to student mental health, counseling services, and program outcomes. 
• Prepare and present reports to LACOE and LEA leadership and other educational partners to demonstrate program impact and identify areas for improvement. 
• Utilize data to inform program development and to advocate for necessary resources and support.
• Crisis Management and Response: Lead LACOE’s response to mental health crises, providing guidance and support to LACOE schools and LEAs during emergencies. 
• Develop and implement crisis intervention protocols and procedures, ensuring LACOE staff are trained and prepared to respond effectively. 
• Coordinate with law enforcement, mental health agencies, and other partners during crisis situations.
• Special Programs and Projects: Direct special programs or projects such as the Student Behavioral Health Incentive Program, School Counselor Academy, and various Communities of Practice. 
• Develop and refine program policies and procedures, and serve in an active leadership role at the local, regional, and state levels
• Interagency Collaboration: Plan, coordinate, and collaborate with local, county, state, and federal agencies, including the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Public Health, Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans, as well as community-based organizations, in the development and implementation of mental health, Transformative Social Emotional Learning (T-SEL), and school counseling projects and programs. 
• Serve as a liaison with funders and partners concerning project goals and result objectives
• Compliance and Policy Development: Provide leadership in the interpretation and application of state and federal laws and regulations, as well as office policies and regulations. 
• Assist in developing and writing new laws and regulations amending current laws and regulations from the State and Federal governments, and the County Board of Supervisors. 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple teams and large scale projects simultaneously. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders. 
• In-depth knowledge of mental health issues affecting students, as well as best practices in counseling and mental health interventions. 
• Ability to analyze data and use it to inform decision-making and program development. 
• Experience with managing multiple budgets and grants.   
• Crisis management skills and the ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing mental health and school counseling programs in educational settings, including billing and documentation systems and processes. 
• Proven track record of successful collaboration with school districts, community partners, and mental health agencies. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

• Education: Master’s degree in education, social work, psychology, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 7 years of experience in school mental health, counseling services or a related field.  Minimum of 5 years in an administrative role with a district or county office of education.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE:

License or Certificate required:

• A Pupil Personnel Services Credential with an authorization in Child Welfare and Attendance. and
• A California Administrative Services Credential.  

And one of the following required: 

• A License in Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT)
• A License in Clinical Social Work (LCSW)
• A License in Professional Clinical Counseling (LPCC)
• A License in Educational Psychology (LEP) 

About Los Angeles County Office of Education

Welcome to the Los Angeles County Office of Education! Thank you for your interest in joining the LACOE family. We are proud of the fact that we have talented staff, excellent growth opportunities, outstanding support and an invigorating mission. The primary function of LACOE is to service and support 79 K-12 school districts along with numerous other agencies, as we ensure educational excellence for the region’s two-million preschool and school-aged children. LACOE serves others by building capacity in our employees, being responsive to the needs of our customers and modeling integrity and respect in our actions and communications. We enhance our role through partnering with our communities, County and other educational institutions to provide outreach, support and specialized services. It is our mission to improve the lives of students and our educational community through our service, leadership and advocacy. We are seeking talented individuals who support our vision and strategic plan that encompasses “A Culture of Excellence in ALL We Do.”

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