CIS of Chicago Partners learn how to offer counseling to schools

1. Offering Counseling to CIS of
Chicago Schools

2. The Benefits of Being a Mental
Health Community Partner!
Many Chicago school students need mental health services to be successful
in school and life. Mental health community partners (“MH partners”) are
vital to the success of students, and CIS of Chicago truly appreciates the
willingness of these partners to offer their skills. There are many benefits to
becoming a MH partner. Here are just a few:
•Connecting with other community partners, including mental health
partners, from CIS of Chicago’s network of over 170 community partners.
•Providing a much-needed service to students by going directly to them
•Learning about the challenges and assets of Chicago Public schools
•Connecting with a school in or near your community
•Teaching students invaluable skills they will take with them throughout their
school years

3. Becoming a Mental Health
Community Partner
Our MH partners follow all of the same procedures and have access to all
perks as the rest of our community partners. Due to the nature of the work,
there are a few additional steps for MH partners, which are outlined in this slide
show. There are five steps:
1. Initial interview
2. Completing CPS background check requirements
3. Complete CIS of Chicago volunteer packet
4. Participate in a pre-service meeting
5. Receive ongoing support by CIS of Chicago, including available clinical
supervision/case consultation
MH community partners are recruited year round. However, the placement of a
partner is based on time of year, needs of schools, services being offered,
availability of schools, and ultimately, finding the right “fit” between a school
and a MH partner to ensure a successful and positive experience. Some
placements happen right away and some may take several months. Your
patience is appreciated.

4. 1. Initial Interview
A CIS of Chicago staff member will meet with interested MH partners to
learn more about the skills and interests. Information collected during this
meeting includes:
–Clinical experience and skills,
–Interests and experiences in working with a CPS school,
–Requests of the individual/organization, such as availability and desired
located, student age, and counseling format.
–Confirm the individual/organization has the ability to provide no-cost
services
–Any additional information deemed relevant and any requests for
clinical supervision/case consultation.

5. Before providing counseling in a school, any individual who works directly
with individual students, for any length of time, without the supervision of a
CIS of Chicago or Chicago Public School (CPS) staff member is required to
complete the CPS volunteer and background check.
1. Complete the CPS Background Check: Click here for CPS
Volunteer Link
•Please note that CPS will only accept background checks
completed through their process and Accurate Biometrics.
2. ID: Send a copy of your valid ID to rwerge@cisofchicago.org.
3. TB Test: Any individual volunteering more than five hours a week will
also be required to show proof of a current TB test.
Please note: MH partners can begin servicing a school only after their
background check is complete. CIS of Chicago will inform MH partners of
their approval.
2. CPS Background Check Requirements

6. 3. CIS of Chicago Volunteer Packet
To ensure the safety of students as well as our community partners, we
require all MH partners providing direct service to students to review the CIS
of Chicago Volunteer Packet.
–CIS of Chicago Counseling Volunteer Packet includes the following:
1. Review and Sign Volunteer Guidelines
2. Review and sign Community Partner Agreement for Clinical
Service Providers
3. MH partners are also asked to complete the State of Illinois
Mandated Reporter Training and find proof of completion.
You can find the training link here: IL Mandated Reporter
Training.

7. 4. Pre-service Meeting
Before beginning services a school, a pre-service meeting is required so
that everyone is on the same page and the school admin staff and the
community partner understand each others’ expectations for the partnership.
–Pre-service meetings require the following individuals in attendance:
•MH partner
•School principal
•School counselor or social worker
•The main contact for the community partner (if not the counselor or
social worker)
•CIS of Chicago staff member
– Optional staff include the assistant principal and any other staff
members the principal would like in attendance.

8. 5. Ongoing Support
CIS of Chicago staff will be available for help throughout the duration of the MH partner’s time at a
school. Overall, the experience is traditionally rich and rewarding. From time to time, there are
bumps in the road. Here are a few common experiences:
–You show up and the students are not there. Schedules change all the time. You may
show up and the students are in testing or out for a field trip.
•To Do: We know this is inconvenient for you. Reviewing the CPS Calendar and asking
the school for their own calendar of events can help.
–You are unable to connect with your main contact. Bottom line, schools trust you. Since
your main contact at the schools is pulled in different directions, they may become less
available to you as things run smoothly and other “fires” demand their attention.
•To Do: Set up a regular check-ins each week or every other week as you become more
comfortable, whether it is in-person, via email, or over the phone. Remember, they
appreciate you being there, but they are busy.
Any questions or concerns can be directed to Karen Roddie, Behavioral and Mental Health
Specialist at kroddie@cisofchicago.org or 312-829-2475 ext. 37. MH partners can also reach out
to their CIS of Chicago School Partnership Specialist.

9. 5. Available Supervision
CIS of Chicago is able to offer free clinical supervision or consultation.
This service is provided by the Mental Health Support Specialist, Melissa
Richardson, MA, LCPC.
Volunteers who have obtained a clinical license and do not require
supervision have the option of scheduling regular consultation sessions (in
person or by phone) or contacting Melissa on an as-needed basis to discuss
any questions or concerns they have regarding the students and/or school
to whom they are providing services.

10. Checklist
Here is a review of the steps/materials required prior to providing your clinical services to
a school.
•Provide:
 Resume
 Proof of licensure (if applicable)
 Proof of liability insurance
 IL Mandated Reporter Policy (provide proof of completion)
 Copy of government issued ID (sent to rwerge@cisofchicago.org)
•Review and sign:
 CIS of Chicago Volunteer Guidelines
 Partnership Agreement for Clinical Service Providers
•Complete:
 CPS Background Check (list Karen Roddie or Melissa Richardson as one of the
references)
 TB test for counselors volunteering five hours or more at the school
 Pre-service meeting with the school admin and a CIS of Chicago staff member
(set up by CIS of Chicago staff)

11. Questions?
Questions about CIS of Chicago or the partnership with a school:
•Contact Karen Roddie, LSW, Behavioral and Mental Health Specialist at
kroddie@cisofchicago.org or 312.829.2475 ext. 37.
Questions about clinical supervision:
•Contact Melissa Richardson, LCPC, Mental Health Support Specialist at
mrichardson@cisofchicago.org or 312.890.9342.
Questions about becoming a mental health community partner:
•Contact Karen Roddie or Melissa Richardson.