What would you do if a student tells you that they want to end their life?

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This is a question that you should tread very carefully. It is best to highlight that you will engage more help to support the child while you are on suicide watch.

"Definitely, I will try to find out where he/she is coming from and what circumstance made him/her feel this way. I will tell him that I am here to help him and refocus his thoughts by asking him about what makes him feel good. Basically, I want the student to know that he/she is not alone in this battle and that I am here to listen to him/her. However, I will still escalate this to a clinical pyschologist/mental health professional who is focused on suicide watch so that we can protect the student better."

Anonymous Answer

"I would make sure that the student and I were one-on-one in a quiet, safe environment and then I would initially ask what situation or circumstance has made him/her feel the need to end their life. I would then conduct an informal assessment to gauge the students level of severity in relation to suicide and ask questions such as: Have you made a specific plan to end your life? If yes, have you written it down somewhere? Do you have the item you plan to use to end your life? Based on their answers, I would ensure the student remained isolated and away from all objects that may be potentially fatal and make a call to my administrator so that a suicide crisis team may be called to help this student further. I would continue to stay with the student until given proper assistance and I would follow up in the days afterward to check on the safety of the student."

Rachelle's Feedback

Excellent outline of events and attention to detail. The interviewer will appreciate the step-by-step actions that you would take in this situation. The confidence you exude in your answer will set you apart.

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Anonymous Answer

"I want to provide them with unconditional positive regard and let them know how I know how hard it is to tell someone that and that they did the right thing telling me. I would then follow the school suicide protocol and assess the risk of suicide. I would then contact the parents and continue to protocol. The next time they were at school, I would be sure to pull them into my office and follow up with them and their experience."

Rachelle's Feedback

The detail you provide showcases your depth of knowledge and also how much you care. Very well done on your approach to this question.

Anonymous Answer

"I would hear the student out and take comfort in the fact that the student was with me and is safe. I would make sure that I informed a colleague, so they could assist if needed. As part of the conversation with the student, I would do a risk assessment (thoughts, plans, and means), and paying attention to District policy, I would inform the parents and ask them to pick the child up to ensure he/she is not alone and that they are safe. I would direct them to take the child to the ER for a formal assessment of risk."

Stephanie's Feedback

This is an extremely difficult situation, and you do a good job of explaining the steps you'd take to ensure that the student was safe and cared for.

How to Answer: What would you do if a student tells you that they want to end their life?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a School Counselor job interview.

39. What would you do if a student tells you that they want to end their life?

How to Answer

This is a question that you should tread very carefully. It is best to highlight that you will engage more help to support the child while you are on suicide watch.

Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014

Answer Example

Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

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Rachelle's Feedback

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Rachelle's Feedback

The detail you provide showcases your depth of knowledge and also how much you care. Very well done on your approach to this question.

Anonymous Answer

Stephanie's Feedback

This is an extremely difficult situation, and you do a good job of explaining the steps you'd take to ensure that the student was safe and cared for.

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About the Author

Krista Wenz

I began my career in emergency medical services (EMS) over 30 years ago, working as a Firefighter-Paramedic, EMS Captain, Mental Health Technician, ER Technician, EMT and Paramedic Adjunct Instructor, and EMS Educator. During my career, I served on over one thousand interview panels to help various organizations choose the right candidate for the job.

My interview experience includes hiring emergency medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters, professors, school counselors, nurses, medical assistants, school support staff, home health aides, and physician assistants. I have created curricula and training materials to prepare candidates for interviews and held mock interview courses for healthcare and educational professionals. I have coached paramedic and EMT students to pass their licensing exams and counseled and mentored many other healthcare professionals in providing compassionate patient care.

As a coach and contributor for MockQuestions, I am excited to help you navigate your upcoming school counselor interview. While these questions assess your critical thinking and communication skills, interviewers also ask these questions to gain insight into your personality to determine if you will be a good fit with the company culture. Remember to be relaxed and be your authentic self. Best of luck in acing your interview!

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