School Based Clinician

The Organization
Lowell Community Health Center (Lowell CHC) is a community-based health care organization. Our programs have been recognized as national models. With a career at Lowell CHC, you will be joining a dynamic team of passionate and talented people.

Purpose
To foster a School-Based Health Center (SBHC) model of integrated mental health and primary care that enhances direct access to mental health services at the school-based health center.

The SBHC clinician will provide clinically appropriate behavioral health services to students in need, who may also be users of Lowell CHC’s SBHC located at the Stoklosa School. The target population is students in grades 5–8 at the Stoklosa School. Services may include:

• Intake/diagnostic screenings or evaluations

• Case evaluations and consults

• Individual and family therapy

• Group therapy

• Referrals for follow-up care

• Outreach

• Crisis intervention

This position requires coordination between the SBHC Nurse Practitioner, SBHC Office Coordinator, and key school personnel.

As an employee of Lowell CHC, the Behavioral Health Provider will:

• Register clients as Lowell CHC patients

• Document clinical notes in Epic

• Adhere to HIPAA privacy guidelines

• Bill for all services

During non-school days (school vacations or summer recess), the Clinician will work in the Behavioral Health Services (BHS) department at the main facility (161 Jackson Street) to provide BHS screenings, intakes, and care management.

Responsibilities

• Provide therapy in primary areas of PTSD and depression; may also address anxiety, grief, domestic violence, relationship difficulties, parent-child issues, acculturation challenges, and serious mental illnesses (including substance abuse).

• Complete all clinical documentation in Epic per Health Center standards.

• Meet direct care standards as set by the BHS Department.

• Complete mandatory reporting, including abuse/neglect of children, elderly, or disabled individuals.

• Initiate referrals for substance abuse treatment, coordinate services, and manage complex cases (including working with DCF and courts).

• Provide crisis intervention for patients with suicidal or homicidal ideation, including consultation with medical staff and arranging ED transfers if needed.

• Provide consultation to medical providers on mental health issues and collaborate in holistic patient care.

• Participate in MDT, team meetings, and other staff/community meetings as needed.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Experience with or interest in working with individuals affected by abuse, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, personality disorders, thought disorders, or other behavioral health conditions.

• Outpatient individual counseling experience (required).

• Ability to work effectively with a culturally diverse population.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to work in a team-based, collaborative setting.

• Bilingual skills preferred, but not required.

• Master’s or doctoral degree in mental health counseling or social work (required).

• Licensed in MA: LICSW, LMHC (or LMHC-eligible), LADC1, LMFT, LCSW (or LCSW-eligible), or psychologist.

• CPR certification (required).

Physical Requirements

1. Frequent standing and walking (up to 80% of workday).

2. Occasional lifting, pushing, or pulling up to 30 lbs.

3. Ability to see and distinguish color.

4. Ability to perform CPR (chest compressions).

Work Environment

• Frequent contact with patients, families, visitors, nurses, and other staff.

• May be asked to work in different areas to meet patient needs.

• Occasional stress and pressure due to multiple demands.

• Possible exposure to body fluids and infectious diseases; protective wear is provided and encouraged.