GRIEF SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Milwaukee Public School is actively recruiting experienced and fully-licensed candidates for the position of Grief Support Specialist (GSS). The GSS collaborates with school support staff to assist students across the district who are processing grief, loss, and/or the impacts of psychological trauma. The GSS provides support to students individually and/or in small groups using evidence-based techniques that address grief, loss, and the impacts of psychological trauma. Additionally, the GSS supports the district crisis team responding to student and staff death, and other crisis situations.

Applications for the following position are being accepted by the Office of Human Resources through Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

A current resume must be attached to the completed application. ALL candidates must attach transcripts confirming the required graduate degree. No applications will be accepted after the deadline date.

If you are unable to electronically attach these documents, you must notify human resources that you are sending hard copies. Documents must be received on or before the deadline date listed above.

Appointment is subject to a criminal background check, a drug/alcohol test and credential verification.

Eligible candidates must:

• Hold a graduate degree (master's or above) from an accredited institution in School Psychology, School Social Work or School Counseling.
• Hold a current, valid DPI Pupil Services license in School Psychology, School Social Work, or School Counseling.
• Have three or more years of experience working in an urban school district environment.
• Have experience in counseling children around grief and loss utilizing evidence-based practices.

Candidates with the following knowledge, experience, and skills are preferred:

• Experience working on a district crisis team
• Experience with the delivery of mental health services in a multi-tiered system of support
• Training and experience in trauma-informed care and evidence-based therapeutic methodologies, particularly in areas of school-based delivery (i.e. CBITS)
• Computer skills and knowledge of databases and MS Office software.

As of November 1, 2021, all MPS employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or receive a religious or medical accommodation from the district. The health and safety of our staff and students is our number one priority.

• Provides individual and small group therapy counseling to students experiencing grief and/or the impacts of psychological trauma.
• Utilizes evidence-based therapeutic methodologies that measure ongoing progress and outcomes.
• Utilizes district-approved procedures for consent and progress monitoring of services.
• Consults and problem-solves with school personnel, families and students.
• Supports students who have experienced trauma.
• Collaborates with other school support staff and community agencies to provide services for students and families in crisis.
• Serves as a member of the district crisis team.
• Collaborates with other district departments to provide professional development regarding trauma sensitive practices.
• Manages district handle with care referrals for incidents involving grief, loss and the potential impact of psychological trauma.
• Creates and maintains accurate student records on service delivery plans and outcomes.
• Enters relevant information into the districts student information system as appropriate.
• Conducts suicide risk and non suicidal self-injury assessments per district guidelines.
• Provides follow-up supports, referrals to community resources and services to students and families.
• Collaborates with district support staff regarding suicide prevention efforts.
• Actively supports the MPS Strategic Plan.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

This ten-month position will work the 200-day employee calendar.

Salary Range: Determined by candidate licensure, years of fully-licensed service, and associated salary schedule

• School Psychologist: $68,102 110,570
• School Social Worker: $66,312 108,781
• School Counselor: $59,128 103,599

The Milwaukee Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, activities, facilities, employment, or educational opportunities on the basis of a person's sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or disability. Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

In accordance with Wisconsin Statutes, every applicant for a position with Milwaukee Public Schools will be subject to the open records law. Any applicant not wishing to have his/her identity released, must submit a written statement to that effect to the Office of Human Resources. The identities of all "final candidates" may be released. Milwaukee Public Schools reserves the right to interview the best qualified candidates.