School Based Therapist- Montgomery Public Schools

This is responsible, professional work providing individual therapy to children and adolescents with serious mental illnesses in a school setting. This position will be assigned to one or more counties and will carry a caseload.

• Respond to referrals for students in need of services, coordinating with the gatekeeper at the assigned schools and the families of the students.
• Conduct initial intake interviews of clients according to established procedure, assessing the client's problems and needs, developing an initial diagnosis.
• Develop treatment plans using information gathered in the intake assessment, initial goals for treatment.
• Perform mental health evaluations or other therapeutic services at assigned locations.
• Perform prehospitalization screenings either at the Mental Health Center or at other locations as needed.
• Participate in training activities as required by Carastar to increase and enhance professional and therapeutic skills.
• Conduct individual, group and family therapy sessions for individuals on caseload.
• Participate in clinical supervision as required.
• Update treatment plans as appropriate, reviewing objectives, goals and interventions.
• Provide crisis intervention and assessments for clients seen on an emergency basis.
• Provide mental health consultation to other agencies or provider's assisting Carastar's clients.
• Document all services within the Electronic Health Record.
• Complete reports required for client records as well as all forms and paperwork required by Carastar, including consumer releases, admission/discharge documentation, and other forms as needed.
• Complete referrals to other children's services as appropriate.
• Engage in community service and consultation work with other groups and agencies as may be periodically assigned.
• Provide Family education and support as outlined in the client's treatment plan.
• Perform mental health evaluations or other therapeutic services at assigned locations (emergency room, courts, schools, jails, community, etc.).
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

• Considerable knowledge of individual and group behavior with special emphasis on mental and emotional disorders.
• Knowledge of the principles and methods of counseling.
• Knowledge of psychotropic drugs concerning their use, misuse, desirable and undesirable effects and research material available on these drugs.
• Knowledge of assessing the mental status of individuals in need of mental health services.
• Considerable knowledge of mental health services and available resources.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with consumers, families, hospital staff and community mental health center staff.
• Ability to work in a proactive, assertive and energetic manner in fulfilling the duties of this position.
• Ability to work effectively as a treatment team member.
• Willing to work in non-traditional and in-home settings.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and/or weekends if necessary.
• Reliable transportation and willingness to transport clients.

• Master's Degree in the behavioral sciences from a recognized college or university with a clinical practicum.
• ALC, LPC, LGSW, or LCSW preferred (see note below)
• Some clinical experience preferred.
• Degree and experience must meet requirements for Approved Medicaid Provider status.
• Must hold a valid driver's license and maintain a driving record that is acceptable to Carastar's insurance carrier.
• Must maintain at least liability coverage on personal vehicles.
• Must hold and maintain a current Red Cross First Aid, CPI and CPR certificate.
• **** Licensure is not a requirement of this position. If you do not hold one of the licenses above, you may still apply. If hired, you will begin as a Therapist I which is in a classification with a lower salary range. While you are not required to obtain a license; if/when you become licensed, you will advance to the Therapist II classification.****