Clinical Consultant: An Adviser "SafeTeam is the programs that fills the void between mental health and the classroom.  It provides students and staff one "go-to" person when issues arise. It is the essence of taking care of our kids, in a proactive/ triage model." -Executive Director Instructional and Student Services, Bixby High School

The Clinical Consultant is an experience, community- based mental health professional who provides consultation to the SafeTeam Coordinator, Student, Faculty and Community SafeTeams. The consultant's responsibilities involve advising and supporting the Coordinator in difficult situations and assisting with specific cases.  The consultant can advise the Coordinator concerning student SafeTeam meeting activities, potential speakers, and help resolve any problem that arise.  They can assist with the Faculty SafeTeam by providing advice on individual students and school- wide problems, offer ideas for the content of meetings and assist in case of a crisis. Occasionally ,the Consultant may attend the Faculty SafeTeam meeting, but rarely does he/ she need need to attend Student SafeTeam meetings.

Important qualities the consultant should have are:

• Master's level training
• Experience with clinical counseling for children, experience with groups
• Ability to garner community resources
• Knowledge of how non-profit companies function
• Non- judgmental attitude
• Patience and flexibility
• Good communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work "behind-the-scenes" as an adviser, rather than receiving lots of recognition

The consultant is not a full-time employee, and will not be highly involved in the school system or the daily life of SafeTeam members.  The consultant's primary relationship will be with the Coordinator.  Schools are often war of "outsiders" who try to be too involved or authoritative, and the Consultant's main function is as a mentor, adviser and support system to the Coordinator.