N.M. Admin. Code § 6.63.18.10

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 23, December 10, 2024

Section 6.63.18.10 - COMPETENCIES FOR SCHOOL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COUNSELORS

A school behavioral health counselor shall:

A. Demonstrate professional knowledge and skills in dealing with mental health as they relate to students' functioning and achievement in school by:

(1) interpreting to school personnel the relationship between the student's social, emotional, or home problems and the student's behavior or academic performance;

(2) interpreting to school personnel the wide range of social, emotional, cultural, and economic differences among children, families, and communities;

(3) consulting with school personnel on current mental health practices and concepts;

(4) expanding knowledge through consultation with coordinators, specialists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and colleagues, as well as through reading, research, and course work; and

(5) keeping abreast of current community resources and determining how their services may be beneficial to the student, their family, and the family's involvement in the academic process.

B. Establish basic counseling management procedures for intervention by:

(1) opening a case as soon after referral as possible;

(2) prioritizing cases according to severity and seriousness of identified concerns;

(3) establishing routines for the assessment of case referrals;

(4) coordinating multidisciplinary efforts for the management of cases when appropriate;

(5) consulting with and assisting school and community personnel regarding case management; and

(6) participating in interdisciplinary team meetings relevant to the assessment and disposition of individual cases.

C. Structure the method of student intervention by appropriate planning and preparation by:

(1) investigating all relevant information regarding a referred case;

(2) consulting with school personnel, community agencies, or family members to assess the identified concerns;

(3) formulating individual goals and objectives for the management of each case; and

(4) consulting with another school behavioral health personnel, supervisor, psychologist, or psychiatrist regarding individual cases as needed.

D. Employ appropriate methods of practice that enable students and families to function adequately within their educational and community settings by:

(1) providing individual, group, and family counseling to students and families;

(2) providing intensive crisis intervention to remedy effects of abuse, neglect, adverse childhood events, or exploitation of children;

(3) identifying school district and community services appropriate to students' and families' needs, execute referrals, and provide follow-up; and

(4) serving as an advocate for parents to ensure that their wishes and concerns regarding their children are registered and considered by school personnel and agencies.

E. Demonstrate a professional and helpful demeanor in relationships with students, parents, and school personnel by:

(1) providing support and encouragement to students, parents, and staff in an atmosphere of mutual respect;

(2) developing a caring relationship with students and parents and showing consideration of their feelings;

(3) communicating openly with students and parents by listening and responding to their opinions and suggestions;

(4) promoting respect and positive interpersonal relationships among students and families;

(5) working cooperatively with fellow employees to develop and maintain effective interaction; and

(6) promoting free and easy communication between home and school.

F. Utilize appropriate methods to evaluate the student's services by continuously:

(1) keeping a personal, confidential file on all cases;

(2) maintaining an up-to-date log, indicating types of referrals received, dates, and status of referral and referral sources; and

(3) assessing the effectiveness of any further need for behavioral health services.

G. Demonstrate knowledge of educational foundations, including:

(1) organization and operation of schools;

(2) the organization and administration of school counseling services, including record keeping; the social, philosophical, historical, and cultural issues in education; setting intervention programs and strategies; and

(3) the current identification, referral, and placement procedures for students with mental health issues.

H. Demonstrate knowledge of human development and psychopathology and associated biological, cultural, and social influences on human behavior.

I. Provide or contribute to prevention and intervention programs that promote the mental health and physical well-being of students; including, but not limited to, delivering individual and group counseling services to identified students.

J. Have knowledge and ability to conduct risk and threat assessments, interventions, and referrals as necessary for crisis intervention.

K. Understand the cultural context of relationships, issues, and trends in a multicultural and diverse society related to such factors as culture, ethnicity, nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation, mental and physical characteristics, education, family values, religious and spiritual beliefs, and socioeconomic status, and unique characteristics of individuals, couples, families, ethnic groups, and communities.

N.M. Admin. Code § 6.63.18.10

Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXXIII, Issue 22, November 29, 2022, eff. 11/29/2022