Bilingual School-Based Therapist

Description

The School-Based Mental Health program works in partnership with many local schools to provide on-site counseling and support. The program serves students of all ages, from pre-k through 12th grade, with a mental health diagnosis and in need of support that goes beyond the scope of what the school can provide. The school-based counseling program offers behavioral health assessments, diagnostic verifications, service plan development sessions, individual counseling, family counseling, group counseling, community support, case management, and psychiatric services. CHRIS 180 Therapists work closely with the caregivers of students being served. They also work closely with school administration and teachers, to provide psychoeducation about diagnoses and offer strategies for how to manage behaviors in the school environment.

Position Description

The Bilingual School-Based Therapist is a member of the School-Based Mental Health program and is assigned to a local elementary, middle, or high school within the metro Atlanta area. The Therapist primarily provides individual and family counseling services and facilitates group counseling as clinically appropriate. In collaboration with school staff, the Therapist coordinates referrals, intake assessments, and ongoing case updates to support student success. The Therapist also provides training and consultation to school personnel and other stakeholders on trauma-informed practices and strategies to support students effectively. The Bilingual School-Based Therapist must demonstrate competence and proficiency in facilitating clinical services in both English and Spanish.

Role & Responsibilities

The primary duties include but are not limited to the following:

Clinical Assessment and Treatment

• Conduct behavioral health screenings, assessments, and clinical evaluations to identify client strengths, needs, trauma history, level of functioning, working diagnosis and appropriate evidence-based interventions.
• Provide trauma-informed, evidence-based individual, family, and group counseling services for students and families experiencing mental health, co-occurring, or substance use concerns.
• Utilize evidence-based practices and trauma-informed approaches in all aspects of service coordination and delivery.
• Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with clients and families and update at a minimum every 180 days.
• Monitor client progress and evaluate movement toward treatment goals.
• Facilitate individual, group and family therapy sessions for students grades K-12 in assigned school(s) utilizing evidence-based interventions.

Care Coordination and Collaboration

• Coordinate care with school staff, families, internal programs and community providers to make necessary referrals to meet consumer's health, well-being, education, mental health, and employment needs.
• Facilitate or participate in team meetings for students/clients as needed including 504 or IEP meetings.
• Advocate on behalf of students or family with other agencies to include service coordination.
• Facilitate trauma-informed professional development trainings for teachers and school staff to promote prevention and early intervention strategies for all students.

Documentation and Administrative Requirements

• Maintain detailed case files and other documentation compliance as outlined by organizational policies and procedures.
• Complete all clinical documentation and progress notes within 24 hours of date of service.
• Submit timely and accurate administrative reports monthly.

Performance and Conduct

• Maintain confidentiality of client information.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Follow the CHRIS 180 Code of Ethics and organizational policies and procedures.
• Follow mandated reporting requirements of GA Code.
• Support and maintain an environment of emotional and physical safety for clients, staff and other stakeholders at all times.

Demonstrate Customer Service

• Promote positive image of CHRIS 180 programs at all times.
• Work as a contributing and collaborative team member at CHRIS 180 and assigned schools.
• Demonstrate professionalism, strong customer service, and timely communication with clients, families, referral sources, stakeholders, and team members.

Requirements

The Bilingual School-Based Therapist must possess a master’s degree in social work, marriage and family therapy, counseling, or a related field and meet Georgia requirements for licensure. Must be fluent in both English and Spanish, including written and verbal communication. Must be comfortable providing therapy, psychoeducation, and training services in both languages.

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Associate or full licensure in the state of Georgia, or obtain licensure within 6 months of hire.
• Clinical expertise in child development, dysfunction, counseling, treatment planning and diagnosis.
• Ability to work independently in the school environment without agency support onsite.
• Ability to effectively relate to clients, parents/custodians of all social, economic, ethnic and educational backgrounds, with firmness, fairness and concern.
• Solid decision-making ability as 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. This person will be required to analyze and react to difficult situations, often while under considerable stress and pressure.
• Ability to communicate using appropriate tone when corresponding verbally or written including proper usage of grammar and spelling.
• Accountability for work being completed accurately and in a timely manner as well as following up as needed.
• Commitment to our vision and mission should be demonstrated in work.

 TOTAL REWARDS at CHRIS 180

• Free clinical supervision for your licensure
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 11 paid holidays, including paid company break from 12/24 - 1/1
• Competitive 403 (b) benefit defined contribution plan
• Healthcare insurance options (HMO and PPO)
• Dental and Vision insurance options
• Employer-paid short-term disability
• Employer-paid basic life insurance (1x times your salary)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Discounted college tuition for select colleges and universities

Schedule

 The School-Based Therapist will report to their assigned school(s) 5 days per week and will remain on campus for the entirety of the school day. School-Based Therapists must have availability to meet with guardians and families after school and will be required to designate at least one day per week with evening availability. Occasional evening or weekend availability may be required to attend school or community outreach events as needed. The School-Based Therapist is a full-time position working 40 hours per week year-round.  

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.