Lead School Based Thearpist

Job Description

Job Description

About the Role:

The Lead School Based Therapist plays a pivotal role in supporting the mental health and well-being of students within the educational environment. This position is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing therapeutic programs that address the emotional, behavioral, and social needs of students. The Lead Therapist collaborates closely with educators, parents, and other school staff to create individualized intervention plans that promote positive student outcomes. Additionally, this role involves mentoring and guiding other therapists and support staff to ensure consistent and effective delivery of services. Ultimately, the Lead School Based Therapist contributes to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive school climate that enhances student learning and development.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related mental health field.
• Valid state licensure or certification as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience providing therapeutic services in a school or child-focused setting.
• Strong knowledge of child and adolescent development, mental health disorders, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a leadership or supervisory role within a school-based mental health program.
• Training or certification in trauma-informed care, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or other specialized therapeutic modalities.
• Familiarity with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
• Experience working with multicultural and diverse student populations.
• Proficiency in data collection and outcome measurement related to therapeutic services.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify students' therapeutic needs and develop individualized treatment plans.
• Provide direct therapeutic services to students, including individual and group counseling sessions.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and families to integrate therapeutic strategies within the school setting.
• Lead and supervise a team of therapists and support staff, providing training, guidance, and performance feedback.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and adjust plans as necessary to meet student goals.
• Maintain accurate documentation and comply with all relevant legal, ethical, and school district policies.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions for school staff on mental health awareness and intervention techniques.
• Serve as a liaison between the school, community mental health resources, and families to coordinate comprehensive care.

Skills:

The Lead School Based Therapist utilizes strong clinical skills daily to assess and address the complex emotional and behavioral needs of students. Effective communication skills are essential for collaborating with educators, families, and community partners to create cohesive support plans. Leadership and supervisory skills are applied to mentor and guide therapy staff, ensuring high-quality service delivery and professional development. Organizational skills are critical for managing caseloads, documentation, and compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, cultural competence and adaptability enable the therapist to work sensitively and effectively within diverse school communities.