School Based Mental Health Therapist

Position Description

The School Based Therapist is part of the School Based Mental Health program and will be placed in a local elementary, middle, or high school in the metro Atlanta area. The Therapist will primarily provide individual and family counseling services but will also provide group services as clinically indicated.

As a CHRIS 180 Therapist, you will work closely with school staff to coordinate referrals, intakes and updates on active and past cases. You will provide training and consultation to school staff and others on ways to provide trauma informed care for students.

Key Responsibilities

• Assessing clients/student’s history of trauma, acuity, strengths, and needs.
• Screen, evaluate and triage potential consumers to determine what services/evidence-based interventions should be used.
• Provide initial clinical impressions.
• Administer behavioral health assessments and other assessments as clinically indicated or warranted.
• Always utilize evidence-based practices.
• Administer/aware of ACE score and implications of service planning.
• Evaluate and document client’s level of functioning and progress toward attainment of goals.
• Coordinating Services and Collaboration
• Make necessary referrals to meet consumer health, well-being, education, mental health, and employment needs.
• Facilitate and/or participate in Team Meetings for students/clients as needed
• Collaborate and communicate with other programs within the school system, CHRIS 180, or other providers.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with other agencies to include coordinating services to patients.
• Specific Services to Consumers
• Provide outpatient services to include providing individual counseling, family counseling/training and/or group counseling/training to consumers with mental health, co-occurring, or substance abuse disorders as classified by the DSM.
• Provide therapy for students and their families who are referred to the School-Based Mental Health Program
• Demonstrate engagement skills and clinical expertise in providing trauma-focused mental health treatment.
• Manage clinical caseload. The number of clients on caseload is based on frequency of sessions and billable hour expectations.
• Provide CSI services to children and families as clinically indicated.
• Documentation Requirements
• Timely documentation of all case activities in accordance with company policy.
• Maintain detailed case files and other documentation in 100% compliance with standards.
• Complete Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) applications as needed.
• Complete monthly documentation and case trackers as required.
• Practice Requirements
• Adhere to the organization's policies and procedures.
• Attend clinical supervision, meetings and training as required/scheduled.
• Performance and Conduct
• Maintain confidentiality of consumer information
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and code of ethics.
• Follow mandated reporting requirements of GA Code
• Support and maintain an environment of emotional and physical safety for consumers, staff, and other stakeholders.
• Always promote a positive image of the CHRIS 180 programs.
• Work as a contributing and collaborative team member
• Respond to consumer, referral source, stakeholder, and peer needs via email and telephone in a timely manner.
• Maintain Personal Information and Training
• Maintain required certifications and licensure status.
• Review, understand, and respond to organizational and programmatic policies.

Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in the field of social work, counseling and/or marriage and family therapy and the ability to obtain licensure.
• Clinical expertise in child development, dysfunction, counseling, treatment planning and diagnosis is required.?
• Ability to work independently in the school environment without agency support onsite.
• Skilled in providing individual, family, and group therapy.
• Ability to effectively relate to clients, parents/custodians of all social, economic, ethnic, and educational backgrounds.
• Solid decision-making ability related to the safety and well-being of clients, families, community, and staff.
• Be guided by precedent and established policy and procedure in decision-making.
• Dependability, emotional stability, and physical capability.
• Ability to recognize when assistance and consultation is needed.

Ideal Candidate Traits

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess the Following

• Technical expertise that allows well informed decisions, usage of available tools and resources, and training.
• Accountable for work being completed accurately and in a timely manner as well as following up as needed.
• Ability to collaborate with other staff to ensure best practices and sound decisions.
• Ability to communicate using appropriate tone when corresponding verbally or written
• Ability to adapt and adjust to courses and be open to new ideas.
• Ability to manage workload by having a clear understanding of tasks/project and setting realistic timelines and goals.

• Total Rewards for working at CHRIS 180
• Dental and vision insurance options
• Basic life insurance 1x times your salary
• Employee assistance program
• Flex spending account
• Health Savings Account
• 11 paid holidays
• PTO
• Discounted college tuition for select colleges and universities

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM but may require some flexibility

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.