School-Based Therapist

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary:

The School-Based Child Therapist provides on-site therapeutic services to students in K–12 settings who are experiencing emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. Working in partnership with school staff, families, and community providers, the therapist delivers trauma-informed, culturally responsive care that promotes emotional regulation, academic engagement, and positive youth development.

This position is ideal for a passionate, collaborative clinician who thrives in educational environments and is committed to youth mental wellness.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide individual, group, and/or family therapy to students referred for mental health support within the school setting.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments and collaborate with students, families, and school personnel to develop individualized treatment plans.
• Utilize evidence-based practices tailored to the child’s developmental stage and presenting concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, peer conflict).
• Work closely with school teams, including counselors, administrators, and teachers, to support coordinated care and promote a positive learning environment.
• Participate in school-based meetings (e.g., student support teams, IEP/504 meetings) as appropriate, to advocate for students’ mental health needs.
• Monitor and document clinical progress and complete all required documentation in a timely and ethical manner.
• Provide crisis intervention and support as needed, following established school and agency protocols.
• Engage in regular clinical supervision, staff meetings, and professional development.
• Maintain strong communication with families, with sensitivity to cultural and linguistic differences, to ensure alignment and support.
• Promote a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and inclusive therapeutic environment.
• Uphold all agency, state, and federal privacy and documentation regulations, including HIPAA and mandated reporting.
• Assist with other clinical duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a related field (required).
• Current licensure or license eligibility in the state (e.g., LCSW, LMHC, LPC, LMFT, or equivalent).
• Experience working with children or adolescents in clinical, school-based, or community mental health settings (preferred).
• Knowledge of school systems, youth development, and academic engagement strategies.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage a flexible schedule that aligns with the school calendar and student needs.
• Comfortable working independently within a school environment while maintaining strong connection to the clinical team.

Work Environment & Schedule:

• This is an exempt, full-time position.
• Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM CST
• This position requires in-person work and is not eligible for remote or hybrid work arrangements.
• Services are provided in school settings that may vary in physical accessibility.
• This role requires periods of walking between classrooms/buildings, sitting for therapy sessions, and use of computers for documentation.
• May require occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
• Occasional exposure to behavioral escalations or emotionally charged situations may occur; training and clinical support are provided.

Transportation Requirements:

• Provide transportation for consumers as needed using agency or personal vehicles.
• Maintain a safe driving record and valid driver’s license with personal liability insurance.
• Follow all agency transportation policies, including seatbelt usage, safe cellphone practices, and vehicle documentation.
• Immediately report any vehicle issues, accidents, or violations to appropriate personnel.

In-Service Training & Continued Education Requirements:

• Participate in all required agency in-service and ADMH trainings
• Commitment to ongoing professional development to enhance skills and stay informed on best practices in behavioral health.
• Completion of onboarding and any continuing education requirements as directed by the agency or supervisor.
• Ongoing professional development to maintain best practices and compliance with evolving standards of care.