School Based Therapist- Montgomery Public Schools

This is responsible, professional work providing individual therapy to children and adolescents with serious mental illnesses in a school setting. This position will be assigned to one or more counties and will carry a caseload.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES :

Respond to referrals for students in need of services, coordinating with the gatekeeper at the assigned schools and the families of the students.

Conduct initial intake interviews of clients according to established procedure, assessing the client's problems and needs, developing an initial diagnosis.

Develop treatment plans using information gathered in the intake assessment, initial goals for treatment.

Perform mental health evaluations or other therapeutic services at assigned locations.

Perform prehospitalization screenings either at the Mental Health Center or at other locations as needed.

Participate in training activities as required by Carastar to increase and enhance professional and therapeutic skills.

Conduct individual, group and family therapy sessions for individuals on caseload.

Participate in clinical supervision as required.

Update treatment plans as appropriate, reviewing objectives, goals and interventions.

Provide crisis intervention and assessments for clients seen on an emergency basis.

Provide mental health consultation to other agencies or provider's assisting Carastar's clients.

Document all services within the Electronic Health Record.

Complete reports required for client records as well as all forms and paperwork required by Carastar, including consumer releases, admission / discharge documentation, and other forms as needed.

Complete referrals to other children's services as appropriate.

Engage in community service and consultation work with other groups and agencies as may be periodically assigned.

Provide Family education and support as outlined in the client's treatment plan.

Perform mental health evaluations or other therapeutic services at assigned locations (emergency room, courts, schools, jails, community, etc.).

Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

REQUIREMENTS

Considerable knowledge of individual and group behavior with special emphasis on mental and emotional disorders.

Knowledge of the principles and methods of counseling.

Knowledge of psychotropic drugs concerning their use, misuse, desirable and undesirable effects and research material available on these drugs.

Knowledge of assessing the mental status of individuals in need of mental health services.

Considerable knowledge of mental health services and available resources.

Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with consumers, families, hospital staff and community mental health center staff.

Ability to work in a proactive, assertive and energetic manner in fulfilling the duties of this position.

Ability to work effectively as a treatment team member.

Willing to work in non-traditional and in-home settings.

Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and / or weekends if necessary.

Reliable transportation and willingness to transport clients.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Master's Degree in the behavioral sciences from a recognized college or university with a clinical practicum.

ALC, LPC, LGSW, or LCSW preferred (see note below)

Some clinical experience preferred.

Degree and experience must meet requirements for Approved Medicaid Provider status.

Must hold a valid driver's license and maintain a driving record that is acceptable to Carastar's insurance carrier.

Must maintain at least liability coverage on personal vehicles.

Must hold and maintain a current Red Cross First Aid, CPI and CPR certificate.

• Licensure is not a requirement of this position. If you do not hold one of the licenses above, you may still apply. If hired, you will begin as a Therapist I which is in a classification with a lower salary range. While you are not required to obtain a license; if / when you become licensed, you will advance to the Therapist II classification.