School-Based Mental Health Therapist

Chris 180•Atlanta, GA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The School-Based Therapist is part of CHRIS 180’s School-Based Mental Health program and is placed at a local elementary, middle, or high school in the metro Atlanta area. The role primarily provides individual and family counseling, with group services as clinically indicated. The Therapist works with school staff to coordinate referrals, intakes, and updates on active and past cases, and provides training and consultation on trauma-informed care for students. The Therapist assesses students’ trauma histories, acuity, strengths, needs, functioning, and progress; screens and triages potential consumers; provides initial clinical impressions; and administers behavioral health and other clinically indicated assessments. The role provides evidence-based, trauma-focused outpatient therapy to students and families, manages a clinical caseload, coordinates referrals and services, and collaborates with school staff, CHRIS 180 programs, and other providers. It also requires timely and compliant documentation, participation in supervision and training, maintenance of licensure and certifications, confidentiality, professional conduct, and support of a safe environment. This is a full-time, year-round position of 40 hours per week. The Therapist reports to assigned school(s) five days per week and remains on campus for the entire school day. Availability to meet with guardians and families after school is required, including at least one evening per week. Occasional evening or weekend availability may be needed for school or community outreach events.

Requirements

Master’s degree in social work, counseling, and/or marriage and family therapy, and ability to obtain licensure.
Clinical expertise in child development, dysfunction, counseling, treatment planning, and diagnosis.
Ability to work independently in a school environment without agency support onsite.
Skill in providing individual, family, and group therapy.
Ability to relate effectively to clients and parents or custodians from diverse social, economic, ethnic, and educational backgrounds.
Sound decision-making related to the safety and well-being of clients, families, the community, and staff; decisions should be guided by precedent and established policies and procedures.
Dependability, emotional stability, and physical capability.
Ability to recognize when assistance and consultation are needed.
Ability to make well-informed decisions using available tools and resources, and to provide training.
Accountability for accurate and timely work and appropriate follow-up.
Ability to collaborate with staff to support best practices and sound decisions.
Ability to communicate with an appropriate tone verbally and in writing.
Ability to adapt, adjust to circumstances, and remain open to new ideas.
Ability to manage workload by understanding tasks and projects and setting realistic timelines and goals.
Availability to meet with guardians and families after school, including at least one evening per week; occasional evening or weekend availability may be required.

Responsibilities

Assess clients’ and students’ trauma histories, acuity, strengths, needs, functioning, and progress toward goals.
Screen, evaluate, and triage potential consumers to determine appropriate services and evidence-based interventions; provide initial clinical impressions.
Administer behavioral health assessments and other assessments as clinically indicated, and consider ACE scores and their implications for service planning.
Provide outpatient individual, family, and group counseling or training for consumers with mental health, co-occurring, or substance abuse disorders.
Provide therapy to students and families referred to the School-Based Mental Health Program, using engagement skills and trauma-focused treatment.
Manage a clinical caseload and provide CSI services to children and families as clinically indicated.
Make referrals to address consumers’ health, well-being, education, mental health, and employment needs.
Facilitate or participate in student/client team meetings and collaborate with school programs, CHRIS 180 programs, and other providers.
Advocate for clients with other agencies and coordinate services.
Coordinate referrals, intakes, and updates on active and past cases with school staff; provide training and consultation on trauma-informed care.
Complete timely documentation, maintain detailed case files in compliance with standards, complete PRTF applications as needed, and submit monthly documentation and case trackers.
Follow organizational policies and procedures; attend clinical supervision, meetings, and training as required.
Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethical conduct; follow mandated reporting requirements under the Georgia Code.
Support emotional and physical safety for consumers, staff, and stakeholders, and promote a positive image of CHRIS 180 programs.
Work collaboratively and respond to consumers, referral sources, stakeholders, and peers via email and telephone in a timely manner.
Maintain required certifications and licensure status, and review and respond to organizational and program policies.
Report to assigned school(s) five days per week and remain on campus throughout the school day; meet with guardians and families after school, including at least one evening per week, and occasionally attend evening or weekend outreach events.