School Based Therapist

Job Description Position: School Therapist Reports To: Principal Work Location: Waterford School Salary: Based on Experience FLSA Status: Exempt Our Mission It is the mission of the Caledonia Central Supervisory Union and its seven member schools to create a learning community in which each individual can achieve the highest standards of excellence in intellectual growth and citizenship. Job Overview Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the role of a School Therapist, an essential position dedicated to nurturing the emotional and psychological well-being of students. In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving educational landscape, the mental health of students has become a crucial focus. As they navigate academic pressures, social dynamics, and personal challenges, students often benefit from the support of a trained professional who can offer guidance, intervention, and a listening ear. A School Therapist plays a pivotal role in fostering a safe and supportive environment, where students can thrive not just academically, but emotionally and socially as well. This detailed job description aims to provide a clear understanding of the responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required for this impactful role. Whether you are a seasoned professional seeking to transition into a school setting, or an educational institution looking to hire a competent and compassionate therapist, this guide will serve as a valuable resource. Read on to discover what it takes to become a School Therapist and how you can make a significant difference in the lives of students. School Therapist Responsibilities & Duties Provide individual and group counseling to students Develop and implement personalized intervention plans Conduct assessments to identify students' emotional and behavioral needs Collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to support students' holistic development Deliver crisis intervention and support as needed Offer workshops and training sessions for staff and students on mental health issues Maintain accurate and confidential records of student sessions and progress Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss and develop comprehensive support plans Advocate for students' mental health needs within the school community Develop and implement preventive programs and activities to promote mental health awareness School Therapist Qualifications & Skills Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field Licensed or certified as a school therapist in the state of employment Experience working with children and adolescents in an educational setting Strong understanding of child development and psychological theories Proficiency in crisis intervention and conflict resolution techniques Bilingual abilities are an asset Familiarity with special education laws and regulations Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Proficiency in using counseling and educational assessment tools Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field State licensure or certification as a school therapist Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in a school or clinical setting Demonstrated ability to create and implement effective intervention plans Knowledge of ethical guidelines and confidentiality laws pertaining to student mental health Strong organizational and time-management skills Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion Commitment to continuous professional development and learning Ability to use technology effectively for record-keeping and communication Empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to support students' well-being Physical Requirements The work environment is in a mixed environment, with moderate noise, temperatures that are controlled, and no exposure to chemicals or other negative air quality elements. The work is light/moderate work, requiring exertion of up to 30 pounds of force to move or lift objects. The following physical and mental abilities are representative of those expected to complete the essential functions of the job: Standing for prolonged periods Sitting for prolonged periods Repetitive motions with the hands, wrists, or fingers Repetitive motions with force on the back or lower body Ability to feel, grasp, or hold objects by hand Discernment of colors visually Discernment of letters or numbers Discernment of objects under low light or distant conditions Understanding and communicating in spoken language Understanding and communicating in written language Perception of sounds Making decisions using logic and rational thinking To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations shall be made, as required by law, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties, just as though they were actually written out in this job description. School and Caledonia Central Supervisory Union assure equal opportunity and public access in all their employment and service policies. Schools and CCSU do not discriminate in hiring, programs, or policies on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, or sexual orientation.