Behavioral Health Clinician I - School Based

UCFS Healthcare•Norwich, CT

5d•$57,000 - $58,000•Onsite

About The Position

UCFS is seeking a Behavioral Health Clinician I to provide clinical counseling services in a fast-paced high school setting throughout the educational day. The role provides person-centered care and clinical assessment and treatment consistent with quality standards and evidence-based practices. Billable services for a Clinician I require approval and sign-off from a Licensed Supervisor. The position works 52 weeks per year, with an expected full-time schedule of 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, during operating hours of 8:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. The clinician monitors client benchmarks and goals, maintains timely clinical documentation, assesses risk and appropriate levels of care, and arranges referrals or emergency response when needed. The role also coordinates with UCFS and external providers, participates in clinical supervision and school-sponsored events, and works toward maintaining professional licensure. UCFS is a Federally Qualified Health Center offering integrated services, including behavioral health, primary care, dental care, and case management. The organization emphasizes collaboration to improve community health and streamline access to care.

Requirements

Master's degree (M.A., M.F.T., or M.S.W.).
Two years of experience treating children and/or adolescents with significant behavioral and emotional challenges, or four years of transferable experience working with children or within school districts.
Must hold a Connecticut state LMSW, LPC-A, or MFTA upon hire.
Must be eligible for active Connecticut state licensure as an LCSW, LMFT, or LPC.
Ability to effectively use the MS Office Suite, especially Teams.
Effective problem-solving and communication skills in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to complete thorough clinical documentation within required timeframes.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in Spanish.
Proficiency in an EHR; EPIC is preferred.
Experience working with PowerSchool.

Responsibilities

Provide client-centered clinical assessment and treatment consistent with quality standards and evidence-based practices.
Manage and monitor individual benchmarks and short- and long-term goals weekly.
Maintain timely, accurate documentation in electronic records to meet agency licensee and payer requirements, including those of DCF, DMHAS, CT-BHP, and Medicaid.
Assess risk and determine appropriate levels of care for routine and emergency clients of all ages, including those presenting with complex or long-term mental health or substance abuse issues.
Arrange referrals to other levels of care or emergency response as appropriate.
Report suspected child abuse or neglect to DCF and follow legal and ethical standards of care.
Participate in clinical supervision, communicate with the supervisor and support staff, coordinate treatment with psychiatrists, and work toward maintaining professional licensure.
Coordinate services with relevant providers within and outside UCFS, including school personnel, DCF, and courts, and support collaboration among providers.
Participate in professional activities, including school-sponsored events twice a year, to promote the program.
Treat coworkers, clients, and visitors respectfully and professionally, and address conflict constructively.
Perform other duties as assigned by the BHS Supervisor – School Based.

Benefits

Yearly performance merit increases
Gain Share Program
Local and online discounts
401(k) plan with 6% employer contributions
Employer-paid life and disability insurance
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Wellness programs
Decompression spaces
Paid time off starting at three weeks of vacation, four floating holidays, 10 sick days, and eight federal holidays
Employee-led committees
NHSC loan repayment opportunities
PSLF eligibility
Career path ladders
Employer-paid learning and development programs
Appreciation, education, and team-building events