Clinician - School & Community Services, Village Wellness Center

IT TAKES A VILLAGE FAMILY OF SCHOOLS • Chicago, IL

1d • $60,000 - $75,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Village Wellness Center (VWC) is the behavioral health division of It Takes A Village Family of Schools. VWC provides comprehensive, trauma-informed, culturally responsive behavioral health services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. Through individual, family, and group counseling, school-based mental health services, prevention programming, consultation, and community partnerships, VWC is committed to increasing access to high-quality behavioral healthcare while reducing barriers to care throughout the communities we serve. VWC Clinicians are embedded within partner schools to improve access to behavioral health services while remaining employees of the Village Wellness Center and operating under all applicable behavioral health regulations, ethical standards, and clinical best practices. This position is not a school counselor role. The clinician functions as a licensed or license-eligible behavioral health provider responsible for delivering clinical assessment, diagnosis (when applicable), treatment planning, individual and family therapy, crisis intervention, consultation, and care coordination. Services may be provided in person within the school setting and virtually or in person within the community. In addition to providing high-quality clinical services, the clinician is responsible for discussing financial responsibilities with clients and caregivers, including insurance coverage, fee schedules, and payment expectations, while collaborating with the Village Wellness Center's billing partner to support accurate and transparent billing practices.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a closely related behavioral health field.
• Illinois clinical license (e.g., LPC, LSW, LCPC, LCSW, LMFT, or equivalent, as appropriate for the position).
• Ability to obtain and maintain all required background clearances.
• Experience working with children, adolescents, and families.
• Strong clinical assessment and treatment planning skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to establish effective therapeutic relationships with children and families.
• Knowledge of child and adolescent mental health disorders.
• Understanding of trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and family-centered care.
• Ability to work independently while functioning effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• A creative problem solver able to assess situations, identify challenges, and develop effective strategies to address various issues.
• A community-minded leader with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Resourceful in finding and accessing services, programs, and interventions that meet the unique needs of students and families.
• Someone with a deep respect for cultural diversity and a commitment to fostering inclusive communities.
• Ability to travel between clinic and community locations as needed.
• Ability to sit, stand, and use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to facilitate trainings and community presentations.

Nice To Haves

• Clinical License (e.g., LCPC, LCSW)
• Experience working with diverse and underserved communities.
• Experience providing telehealth services.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, child development, and evidence-based interventions.
• Experience with Medicaid-funded behavioral health services and electronic health record systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual, family, and group psychotherapy to children and adolescents.
• Complete comprehensive behavioral health assessments and screenings.
• Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized treatment plans.
• Maintain timely, accurate, and compliant clinical documentation.
• Provide crisis assessment, intervention, and safety planning when appropriate.
• Coordinate referrals for higher levels of care and community resources as needed.
• Deliver therapy services within assigned partner schools in a manner that minimizes disruption to the educational environment.
• Collaborate with school administrators, teachers, and support staff, as appropriate and with required consent, to promote student success.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, student support meetings, and consultation sessions when requested and clinically appropriate.
• Provide psychoeducation and behavioral health consultation to school personnel within the limits of client confidentiality.
• Maintain professional boundaries distinguishing the clinician's role from that of school-employed personnel.
• Provide outpatient behavioral health services to children and families through secure telehealth and community-based appointments.
• Maintain flexibility to provide services during after-school hours or other approved times to accommodate family needs.
• Coordinate care with primary care providers, psychiatrists, schools, and community agencies with appropriate consent.
• Collaborate with caregivers to support treatment goals.
• Coordinate services with external providers and community partners.
• Assist families in accessing appropriate behavioral health and community resources.
• Complete documentation within established timeframes.
• Maintain compliance with Medicaid, commercial insurance, HIPAA, and Village Wellness Center policies.
• Complete required assessments and outcome measures, including IM+CANS and other clinical tools, as applicable and within scope of practice.
• Maintain productivity expectations established by the Village Wellness Center.
• Discuss fees, insurance coverage, and financial responsibilities with clients and/or caregivers prior to the initiation of services.
• Verify that clients understand applicable fee schedules, insurance benefits, copayments, deductibles, coinsurance, and self-pay responsibilities.
• Collaborate with the Village Wellness Center's billing partner to address insurance eligibility questions, authorization requirements, and payment-related concerns as needed.
• Communicate professionally and transparently with clients regarding outstanding balances, payment expectations, and available payment options in accordance with Village Wellness Center policies.
• Accurately document all financial discussions within the client's record and promptly communicate any billing or insurance concerns to the appropriate administrative or billing personnel.
• Support the Village Wellness Center's commitment to financial transparency while maintaining compassionate, client-centered communication regarding the cost of services.
• Participate in clinical supervision, team meetings, case consultation, and continuing education.
• Maintain all required licensure, certifications, and professional training.
• Remain current on evidence-based practices and behavioral health regulations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Up to 80% employer-paid medical coverage
• Full benefits package, including Dental, Vision, Legal Services, and Short-Term Disability
• 3% 401(k) employer match
• 16 PTO days per year
• 9 sick/personal days per year
• Compensatory time eligible
• 15 paid holidays annually

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level