Therapist - School-Based Mental Health

Harris County • Houston, TX

14h • Onsite

About The Position

The School-Based Mental Health Therapist promotes student success through leadership, advocacy, collaboration, preventative services, and responses to identified needs. The therapist implements a comprehensive school mental health program designed to address the whole student, develops and facilitates programming that removes barriers to learning, and equips students to navigate their education and life circumstances.

The role is based at The Opportunity Center, a career readiness academy serving justice-involved youth through education, vocational training, enrichment, and work experiences. The therapist works with students, families, school staff, juvenile probation officers, behavioral health providers, and community organizations. The position is grant-funded and full-time, with a typical schedule of Monday through Friday.

Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in clinical or counseling psychology and/or social work.
• Either one year of post-master’s clinical experience or at least two semesters of internship in the Psychological and Social Services Unit of Harris County Juvenile Probation or in the Harris County Children's Forensic Unit.
• Must be fully licensed in clinical or counseling psychology and/or social work within three years of the date of hire.
• Strong knowledge of common diagnoses and treatments for school-aged children and skills needed to facilitate positive change in a school environment.
• Empathy and compassion when working with people under physical and mental duress.
• Strong listening and communication skills, including the ability to explain progress and plans to patients, families, other doctors, and insurance companies.
• Problem-solving skills to develop individualized ways to manage pain, cope with ailments, and recover from physical or mental trauma.
• Ability to create plans suited to each person's needs, comfort level, and limitations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Upon conditional offer, must undergo a criminal background check and drug screening and provide evidence of a tuberculosis skin test; additional documentation is required if the test result is positive.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Texas driver's license and liability insurance coverage at least equal to the minimum amounts required by law.
• Must be able to use crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies as necessary when working with challenging youth.
• Certified copies of educational transcripts and/or college credits will be required during the hiring process.
• Employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing and testing based on reasonable suspicion of prohibited substance use during the course and scope of employment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement direct interventions and strategies for students, teachers, and families to resolve stressors and remove barriers that interfere with student success.
• Provide clinical and case management services, including referrals to community resources and collaboration with other professionals.
• Conduct specialized individual and group counseling sessions and assessments addressing students’ emotional, social, and behavioral needs.
• Provide crisis management services, including safety assessment and planning.
• Consult with HCJPD Juvenile Probation Officers and school staff regarding behavioral and adjustment issues, case planning, and treatment needs.
• Advocate and collaborate to ensure that related services are provided to assigned juveniles.
• Serve as a liaison among students, homes, schools, behavioral health programs and providers, and community resources such as social services, court services, and family service agencies.
• Develop community agency partnerships with service providers to expand resources available to students and families, including case management.

What This Job Offers

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