School Mental Health Therapist

Latin American Youth Center•Washington, DC

22d•Hybrid

About The Position

The School Mental Health Therapist provides prevention, early intervention, and individual and family therapy services to students and the school community. The therapist is assigned full-time to a school and works closely with school staff to support students and families. Clinical supervision, LAYC meetings, and trainings may take place at LAYC or other locations. The role provides therapy to a caseload of 15–20 students, including individual and family services, diagnostic assessment, and some clinical case management. The therapist collaborates with the school's professional and wellness teams to address student needs, reduce mental health and behavioral barriers to learning, and promote a positive school climate. Services may also include education to reduce stigma, prevention activities, early intervention groups or consultation, crisis support, and continuity of care during school vacations and summer break. The position requires a master's degree in a related field, a minimum graduate-level District of Columbia license, and at least two years of relevant experience working with youth. The schedule is flexible and may include occasional evenings for school events. The role is largely sedentary and may require local or regional travel.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field.
At minimum, a graduate-level license in the District of Columbia (LGSW or LGPC).
At least two years of experience working with youth experiencing mental health and/or substance abuse challenges.
Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
Ability to work well and communicate with culturally diverse populations.
Flexible schedule, including occasional evenings for school events.
COVID-19 vaccination; proof is requested at interview and onboarding.
Complete criminal and child abuse/neglect clearances.

Responsibilities

Provide therapy to a caseload of 15–20 students, including individual and family services, diagnostic assessment, and some clinical case management.
Collaborate with the school’s professional educational team to meet student needs and remove mental health and behavioral barriers to learning.
Educate students and families to reduce stigma related to mental health treatment.
Collaborate with the school wellness team on prevention services that support a positive school climate, resilience, wellness, and effective coping with stress.
Deliver prevention services to school staff, parents, and students as appropriate.
Provide early intervention to students identified as having risk factors by facilitating student groups or consulting with caregivers and staff.
Provide continuity of care during school vacations and summer break through services at home, in the community, or at LAYC.
Support students in crisis through risk assessments, safety planning, and support.
Document all services in the electronic database within 48 hours.
Meet weekly with the Clinical Supervisor for individual supervision and participate in Group Clinical Supervision.
Update clearances and complete training required by DBH regulations.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans with prescription coverage.
Employer-paid life insurance.
Voluntary long-term disability and supplemental life insurance.
Matching 401(k) program beginning at hire.
Three weeks of paid vacation leave per year, accrued and increasing to four weeks with tenure.
12 paid holidays per year.
12 days of paid sick leave per year.
Four wellness days.
Eight weeks of paid parental leave, including adoption and foster care.
Health club discounts.
One to two days per week of telework for most positions, eligible after the first 60 days.