POSITION GOAL:

The School Based Therapist is a clinical position that primarily provides therapy services and case management for general education students in the areas of behavioral and mental health within the educational setting. As a licensed behavioral health provider, the school-based therapist assists students whose behaviors and/or mental health needs interfere with their ability to obtain maximum benefit from the educational program and acts as a liaison between parents/guardians, school staff, and public and private agencies responsible for student care and services. The purpose of this position is to expand and enhance mental health services offered within the K-12 districts in St. Joseph County.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Licensed Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or Licensed Master’s Level Social Worker (LMSW), or Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC), or Limited Licensed Master’s Level Social Worker (LLMSW)
• Master’s degree in ABA, social work, psychology, or a related field including coursework emphasis in behavioral science
• Demonstrate effective experience in problem solving of a technical nature
• Knowledge of normal/abnormal development, childhood psychiatric disorders, and evidence-based counseling and psychotherapy techniques
• Knowledge of evidenced-based practices and the Diagnostic Statistical Manual
• Ability to relate, empathize, and show compassion for a diverse population and a variety of personalities
• Knowledge of State of Michigan Medicaid provisions, documents, evaluation releases, services, etc.
• Possess a collaborative problem-solving approach and the ability to develop and maintain strong professional relationships in order to facilitate change
• Demonstrate skills in organization and the ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks with a deadline independently
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with both internal and external contacts
• Responsibility of employee to obtain and maintain all training(s), certificate(s), approval(s), etc. and provide documentation to the business office before expiration date of said document(s)
• Must have regular and reliable job attendance, performance, and the physical ability to do the job
• Possess a valid Michigan driver’s license
• Must be able to lift 30 pounds
• Required to have a physical presence at the designated job site each scheduled work day

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Conduct assessments, evaluations, service plans, and required documentation in a timely manner
2. Provide individual or group therapy to a caseload of K-12 students in areas such as coping skills, self-esteem, self-regulation, interpersonal relationships, etc.
3. Work with classroom teachers and other professionals on the development of class-wide interventions, individual interventions, functional behavioral assessments, and behavior intervention plans as needed
4. Meet with school-based teams to discuss student strengths and needs
5. Use BH Works to document all electronic records and maintain timely documentation of interactions for Medicaid billing
6. Collaborate with school staff and community partners to organize and systematically deliver appropriate mental health consultations, services, and referrals
7. Keep up to date with evidence-based practices, research, and trends regarding trauma, behavior, and mental health
8. Demonstrate ethical handling of confidential student and parent information
9. Protect and maintain the confidentiality of health information
10. Promote a person centered, culturally competent, and trauma informed culture
11. Adhere to St. Joseph County ISD policies and procedures
12. Complete assigned responsibilities within established timelines
13. Perform other duties assigned by the supervisor in alignment with the 31n grant guidelines

REPORTS TO: Director of Instructional Leadership and Social Emotional Learning

PERFORMANCE APPRAISALS: Director of Instructional Leadership and Social Emotional Learning

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: A 210-day position. Salary and conditions of employment are determined by the Board of Education.