LAYC is hiring School-Based Mental Health Therapists to provide prevention, early intervention and individual/family therapy services to students and the school community. The School-Based Mental Health Therapist will be assigned full-time to a school and will work closely with staff at the school to support students and their families. Clinical supervision, LAYC meetings, and trainings may take place at LAYC or other locations.  

JOIN US AND SUPPORT YOUTH TO LIVE, WORK, AND STUDY WITH DIGNITY, HOPE, AND JOY!

Latin American Youth Center’s (LAYC) mission is to empower youth to achieve a successful transition to adulthood, through comprehensive and innovative programs that address youths’ social, academic, and career needs. To achieve this mission, LAYC provides services and opportunities to approximately 4,000 individuals annually to support academic achievement, promote healthy behavior, and guide youth towards successful adulthood. 

We believe in a future where all youth pursue their dreams, reach their goals and acquire the skills and self-confidence to live a life of purpose, connection, contribution and joy. 

COMPETITIVE BENEFITS

In addition to a friendly work environment, we are pleased to offer the following benefits to our employees.

• Medical, dental, and vision plans with prescription coverage.
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Voluntary long-term disability and supplemental life insurance
• Matching 401(k) program beginning at hire
• 3 weeks paid vacation leave per year, increasing to 4 weeks with tenure, 12 days (upfront) paid sick leave per year, 12 paid holidays per year, 4 wellness days. 
• Eight weeks paid parental leave, including adoption and foster care.
• Health club discounts
• One to two days per week of telework for most positions (eligible after first 60 days).

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides therapy to a caseload of 15-20 students, including individual and family services, diagnostic assessment, and some clinical case management services.
• Collaborates with the professional educational team (teachers, principals, school counselors, social workers, etc.) at the school, working cooperatively and creatively to meet student needs and remove mental health and behavioral barriers to learning.
• Provides education to students and families to reduce stigma related to mental health treatment.
• Collaborate with the school wellness team to support prevention services for the whole school community to create a positive school climate including those focusing on resilience, wellness and effective coping with stress.  Prevention services may include services delivered to school staff, parents, and students.
• Delivers early interventions to students who have been identified as having risk factors by facilitating student groups or providing consultation to caregivers and staff.
• Provides continuity of care to students during school vacations and summer break by providing ongoing services to students and families at home, community or at LAYC.
• Support students in crisis with risk assessments, safety planning, and support.
• Documents all services in electronic database within 48 hours.
• Meets weekly with Clinical Supervisor for individual supervision and participates in Group Clinical Supervision.  
• Updates clearances and completes training as required by DBH regulations.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field.
• At minimum Graduate-level license in the District of Columbia (LGSW or LGPC).
• At least two years of experience working with youth experiencing mental health and/or substance abuse challenges.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual or fluent/proficient: English and Spanish required.
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.  
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Flexible, energetic, positive individual with commitment to youth development in a high quality, respectful environment.
• Flexible schedule, including occasional evenings for school events.
• Complete criminal and child abuse/neglect clearances
• LAYC/MMYC requires the COVID-19 vaccine of all its employees.  You will be asked to provide proof of vaccination at the time of your interview and at your onboarding.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 10 lbs. May require the ability to travel locally and/or regionally. 

LAYC/MMYC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing opportunities without regard to age, race, color, pregnancy, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or status within any other protected group.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. 

TO APPLY 

Please submit a cover letter and resume.