Therapist, School-Based

OVERVIEW Provides direct therapeutic treatment to children and adolescents in the schools who are experiencing mental health concerns. Work is performed under general supervision and is guided by agency policies and procedures, quality assurance, public and private payor guidelines, diagnostic guidelines and professional practices and including ethical standards related to client interactions, state and federal licensure and accreditation regulations and guidelines.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Conducts intake and follow-up interviews of children, adolescents, and families , makes assessments and develops diag­nosis and trauma informed treatment plans. Provides crisis intervention services and risk assessments. Conducts group, individual and family therapy ses­sions. Prepares and maintains clinical and other case documentation including diagnostic assessments, treatment plans, progress notes and quarterly evaluations. Provides testimony in court and legal proceedings as needed. Coordinates with school personnel to manage referrals and treatment planning for individuals served. Consults with school and juvenile court officials, agency treatment staff and representatives of other agencies or programs and provides and coordinates individual case manage­ment services including outreach and discharge planning. Performs community outreach and makes professional and educational presentations to agency, staff and the public. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Thorough knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of the children and adolescents who are experiencing mental health concerns and their families including counseling practices, techniques and multiple treatment modali­ties; thorough knowledge of the theories and principles of child and adolescent psychology, physical and intellectual development; thorough knowledge of substance use disorders; thorough knowledge of the principles of family and group dynamics; thorough knowledge of the service and treatment providers, other agencies and community organizations providing services to the individual population; considerable knowledge of individual manage­ment guidelines for Virginia; considerable knowledge of social casework management, including need assessment and supportive level counseling; ability to complete assessments, provide individual, group, family therapy as well as psycho-educational groups; ability to establish and maintain rapport with the individual population; ability to conduct effective interviews, observe, assess and record individual behaviors and functioning and develop treatment and service plans; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff of other private and public agencies and organizations; ability to confidently provide expert testimony in both oral and written formats; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to operate a vehicle; ability to function calmly in stressful situa­tions; ability to prepare and maintain detailed records and prepare related reports.
TYPICAL EDUCATION, TRAINING AND WORK EXPERIENCE Master's Degree in the Behavioral Sciences and some clini­cal work experience providing direct therapy to children and adolescents.
LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATIONS Valid VA driver's license. VA license as LCSW, LPC, or LCP preferred. Licensed eligible is a requirement.