School Based Therapist

SUMMARY:
Works collaboratively with the school social work team of a local elementary and middle school. Provides clinical expertise and supporting brief counseling and crisis intervention with the students.   Carries a small counseling case load of students at the school.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides individual and group therapy services to students as indicated by school-based program needs.
• Provides students with a full range of case management, counseling, advocacy, and educational related services.
• Assesses student and family needs (e.g., financial, medical, parenting skills, etc.) for the purpose of developing and implementing individualized plans of services to support educational objectives.
• Assists in mediating conflicts between parents, teachers and/or students (e.g., parent/teacher, parent/parent, parent/student, etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues that could impede student’s success.
• Provides counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and maturity.
• Participates in school staffing meetings, 504 plans, and IEPs meetings as needed.
• Coordinates workshops for parents and/or students (e.g., parenting skills, community resources, district programs, social skill development, etc.).
• Works with teachers and other staff members to familiarize them with the general range of services (PCH and external partners) offered.
• Coordinates activities with a variety of outside services agencies, school sites, etc. (e.g., mental health, medical, etc.) for the purpose of providing referrals for families and/or students.
• Complies with agency recordkeeping expectations and communicates, as allowed by privacy regulations.
• Maintains case records for the purpose of documenting activities and complying with mandated requirements.
• Participates in regular clinical supervision and consultation groups with PCH.
• Attends school functions that maybe outside of regular work hours.
• Maintains current knowledge of community resources available for services that support the students, parents, and teachers at the school.
• Provides necessary reports for funders as requested by PCH.
• Completes assigned training requirements by PCH and the school.
• Participates in regular professional development activities (seminars, workshops, articles, research, etc.)
• Participates in PCH program, line or service, or organizational meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with a disability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or Clinical Psychology, or related degree required.
Training in and experience with a variety of evidence-based treatment models preferred.  Ability to work as part of a team and collaborate with consumers, referral sources, and other community providers is essential.

Required Skills:

• Ability to manage crisis situations and work well with other school staff and parents.
• Works effectively with diverse staff and service population.

• Demonstrates knowledge of academic and social/emotional support options for students
• Ability to develop professional relationships in a school environment.
• Demonstrates flexibility in adapting to school schedule and program needs.
• Ability to multi-task and remain calm under pressure.

• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to work as team player.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to various audiences.

 SCHEDULE:  Works on-site each week at the local school during the school year, while school is in session. Schedule will meet the needs of the school-based team when school is not in session (summer, spring, winter breaks). Hours are to be mutually agreed upon by Pillars Community Health and the school.

LANGUAGE:
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

OTHER
Must maintain a safe driving record and have current valid Illinois Driver’s License and vehicle.  Personal vehicle needed for transportation to/from school-based location and Pillars Community Health sites. Mileage for authorized work-related purposes is reimbursable.