School-Based Mental Health Therapist

Chief Leschi School • Puyallup, WA

15h • Onsite

About The Position

The School-Based Mental Health Therapist provides comprehensive school-based mental health, behavioral, and social-emotional support services to students within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. This position works collaboratively with students, families, staff, tribal and community partners, and multidisciplinary teams to promote student wellness, improve access to behavioral health supports, reduce barriers to learning, and support positive academic and social-emotional outcomes. The School-Based Mental Health Therapist delivers prevention, intervention, crisis response, consultation, and case management services using culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and relationship-centered practices. Services may include individual and group support, behavioral intervention, safety assessment, family engagement, staff consultation, and coordination with community providers to ensure students receive appropriate and timely support. This position plays a critical role in fostering safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments that reflect the mission, values, and cultural traditions of Chief Leschi Schools and the Puyallup Tribe.

ABOUT CHIEF LESCHI SCHOOLS: Formerly known as the Puyallup Tribal School, Chief Leschi Schools was founded in 1976 to address the high dropout rate of the youth of the Puyallup tribe. It is the largest of seven tribal schools in the state of Washington and one of approximately 200+ tribal schools in the United States. It is also one of the largest tribal schools to be funded by the Bureau of Indian Education.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, School Counseling, School Psychology, or a closely related behavioral health field.
• Valid Washington State Educational Staff Associate (ESA) Certificate required, with appropriate school mental health, counseling, social work, or school psychology endorsement applicable to assignment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of child and adolescent mental health, trauma-informed practices, crisis intervention, behavioral intervention strategies, and school-based support systems.
• Experience collaborating within multidisciplinary educational teams to support academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and mental health needs of students.
• Ability to maintain confidential records and comply with FERPA, HIPAA, mandated reporting requirements, and applicable state and federal laws.

Nice To Haves

• Current Washington State clinical licensure in one of the following areas: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Psychologist
• Minimum two (2) years of experience providing mental health counseling, behavioral health intervention, or therapeutic services to children and adolescents in a school, community mental health, or related setting.
• Experience working with Native American/Alaska Native students, families, and tribal communities.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License and evidence of insurability.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct school-based mental health services and social-emotional supports to students through individual, group, and family intervention models.
• Deliver prevention, early intervention, behavioral health, and crisis response services within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework.
• Conduct student mental health, behavioral, suicide risk, and safety assessments consistent with district protocols, professional standards, and legal requirements.
• Develop, implement, and monitor intervention plans designed to improve students’ social-emotional functioning, behavioral regulation, school engagement, and academic success.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, special education staff, counselors, families, and community providers to support student needs and coordinate services.
• Participate as a member of multidisciplinary teams including MTSS, Section 504, IEP, threat assessment, attendance, re-entry, and student support teams, as assigned.
• Provide consultation, coaching, and professional learning to staff regarding trauma-informed practices, de-escalation strategies, behavioral supports, suicide prevention, and student mental health awareness.
• Assist in the development and implementation of schoolwide prevention and intervention strategies that promote positive school climate, student wellness, resiliency, and belonging.
• Respond appropriately to mental health crises, behavioral emergencies, safety concerns, and mandated reporting obligations in accordance with district policy and professional ethics.
• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential student records, service documentation, progress notes, and reports in compliance with FERPA, HIPAA, state law, Medicaid requirements, and district procedures.
• Support culturally responsive and relationship-centered practices that honor the values, traditions, and lived experiences of Native American students, families, and the broader school community.
• Coordinate referrals and collaborate with outside agencies, behavioral health providers, tribal services, and community organizations to support continuity of care for students and families.
• Participate in the development of behavior support plans, re-engagement strategies, and restorative practices for students experiencing academic, behavioral, attendance, or mental health challenges.
• Monitor student progress using available data and adjust interventions and supports based on identified needs and outcomes.
• Maintain professional competence through ongoing training, professional development, and compliance with ESA certification and applicable licensure requirements.
• Professionally interact with students, families, staff, community members, and partner agencies.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Workplace accommodations may be provided in accordance with CLS Tribal policy to enable qualified individuals to perform essential functions.
• Workplace accommodations may be provided in accordance with CLS Tribal policy.

What This Job Offers

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