School Based Therapist

SUMMARY: The School Based Therapist provides guidance and instruction to foster emotional, physical and mental growth of clients through therapeutic intervention and positive role modeling. The therapist provides assessments, psychotherapy, TBS, consultation, prevention, and referral to individuals, groups and professional partners within an assigned school as well as within the community and/or office as needed. The School Based Therapist assists clients in accordance with established guidelines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Provide psychotherapy, therapeutic behavioral services (TBS), Prevention and Consultation based on client assessed needs.
• Provide referred families and individuals with assessment services, as needed. 
• Interview clients to obtain information pertinent to establishing and maintaining effective client records and Individual Treatment Plans (ITPs).  Gather information in a timely and systemic manner that will enable ongoing diagnosis, assessment, and treatment planning.
• Develop and maintain strengths-focused, professional alignment and engagement with families. 
• Develop and coordinate focused, measurable and achievable ITPs that are consistent with the client and family's identified needs.
• Collaborate with families and clients in the development of crisis plans and provides crisis assistance and coaching as needed. 
• Assist clients and families with the development of skills that will enhance and improve family functioning in areas that include but are not limited to interpersonal relationships, anger management, coping, etc.
• Provide supportive services to client and school staff as needed and requested by parents and school administrators.
• Meet productivity expectations established for school-based staff.
• Close cases in a timely manner, accurately completing discharge and aftercare plans and related paperwork based on goal achievement and/or agency policy/procedure.
• Form and maintain collaborative working relationships with natural supports, collateral professionals and/or agencies concerning individual cases.
• Assist and advocate on behalf of clients and families to secure needed resources, services and supports.
• Consult with professional staff at the school regarding treatment planning, progress, and ongoing needs in a timely and consistent manner. 
• Provide mental health-related training to teachers and other school personnel.
• Contact and meet with parents of clients for purposes of ongoing training and service coordination.  Contact may include home and community site visits.
• Therapist must follow the assigned school schedule and maintain flexibility in scheduling to accommodate evenings for appointments as needed.
• Maintain a professionalism with clients and families that reflects courtesy, respect and the highest ethical standards.
• Complete all required documentation completely, accurately, legibly and within specified timeframes and consistent with contractual obligations.
• Secure supervisory signatures per licensing guidelines and agency policy/procedure.

• Attend team meetings and consultations on time and as scheduled.  Be open to feedback and suggestion from others, be prepared for meetings, actively participate as a supportive team member, and maintain a positive working relationship with co-workers.
• Incorporate supervisory suggestions and directions into clinical practice.
• Apply professional training to revise and update clinical practice.
• Collaborate with agency staff and administration on behalf of program changes.   
• Participate, as required, in program and performance improvement initiatives.
• Have or maintain a good on-time attendance record.
• Perform other duties as directed.

• Education:  Master's degree in social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy or psychology or enrollment in a Master's degree program for social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy or Bachelor's degree with valid Ohio LSW is acceptable.
• Licensure: Valid Ohio LSW/LISW, LPC/C, or MFT/IMFT required.
• Competency/Skills:     
  • Core Expertise: Possesses skill, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential duties of their role; keeps knowledge up to date.
  • Independent Judgment: Ability to perform job responsibilities with a high degree of initiative and independent judgment.
  • Leadership: Proven effective leadership skills to ensure departmental engagement and success.
  • Cultural Competency: Demonstrates awareness, sensitivity and skills in working professionally with diverse individuals, groups and communities who represent various cultural and personal background and characteristics.
  • Interpersonal Communication: Communicates clearly using verbal, nonverbal, and written skills in a professional context; demonstrates clear understanding and use of professional language.
  • Professional & Ethical Conduct: Adheres to professional values such as honesty, personal responsibility, and accountability; Applies ethical concepts within scope of work and adheres to Agency policies and procedures.
  • Collaboration and Teamwork: Functions effectively as a member of a professional team that includes employees, clients and family members.
  • Problem Solving & Decision Making: Recognizes problems and responds appropriately; gathers information and sorts through it to identify and address root cause issues; makes timely decisions.
• Experience:  Minimum Bachelor’s level licensed mental health treatment experience with children and their families or experience working with children and families, preferably in a school setting.
• Other:  Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and driving record that meets the underwriting criteria of the Agency’s insurance company. Must be approved by Applewood to transport client in own vehicle.

Applewood Centers, Inc. (“Applewood”) is a private, nonprofit agency providing mental health services, social services and education to children, adolescents and families living in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties. Dedicated to addressing a variety of behavioral, emotional and learning problems, we provide a continuum of care from outpatient counseling to residential treatment. Applewood is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applewood’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Applewood also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.