SCHOOL BASED COUNSELOR

CHAIL is a youth, family, and community focused 501(c)(3) organization with multiple locations and 450 staff, located in Peoria, IL. For over 158 years CHAIL has been helping the kids and families who need it most. Children’s Home Association of Illinois (CHAIL) is the largest social service agency for youth and families in downstate Illinois. The services we provide don’t just impact the individual child, they create positive ripple effects within their immediate family, neighborhood, community, and world by providing an opportunity to thrive.

Here at CHAIL, employees experience a “People First - Culture of Care” working atmosphere. From the most tenured staff to the newest team member, everyone is welcomed into a community that prioritizes diversity, equity, wellness, belonging, and good health. Starting with our CEO/President and migrating to every employee, this agency takes pride in taking care of each other. We believe if our employees are cared for, they can better live out the mission of the agency which is to help the kids and families who need it most. By putting our people first at CHAIL, they have the opportunity to share their expertise, talents, and passions with clients as they are changing the lives of the kids who will change the world. Our employees at CHAIL will tell you that they love working for the agency because they love what the agency does!

About Position:

A School-based Counselor plays a crucial role in providing school-based clinical services to clients and families at a designated school. Collaborating under supervision, the school-based counselor conducts individual, family, and group therapy sessions. In addition to providing therapy, the school-based counselor engages in advocacy, offers parent education, facilitates skill-building, provides crisis intervention, and delivers case management services to address the unique needs of clients and families. The school-based counselor serves as a single point of contact for all mental health services and programs provided within the assigned school. With a commitment to sensitivity and understanding, the counselor actively participates in both internal and external meetings, providing ongoing support to school personnel and consistently embodying a positive representation of the program and agency. Emphasizing a trauma-informed perspective, the school-based counselor is dedicated to achieving the productivity goals of this position while prioritizing the well-being of those they serve.

Responsibilities:

• A School-Based Counselor will perform duties including, but not limited to:
• Facilitate individual and family sessions with a trauma-informed approach, recognizing and responding to the unique needs of each client. Additionally, we offer group therapy sessions as needed, fostering a safe and supportive environment.
• Provide advocacy, parent education, skill-building, crisis intervention, and case management services.
• Actively participate in internal and external meetings, representing the program and agency, fostering collaboration, and understanding.
• Collaborate with licensed therapists to enhance therapeutic interventions, incorporating trauma-sensitive techniques to promote healing and growth.
• Maintain accurate and complete clinical documentation in compliance with Medicaid Rule 132/140.
• Strive to achieve monthly productivity goal while prioritizing the well-being and safety of clients.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology or related field and experience or other training preparing an individual to work with families and youth.
  
• Empathetic Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrate a strong capacity for empathetic connection, understanding the unique needs of individuals impacted by trauma, and fostering a supportive environment.
• Trauma-Informed Communication Skills: Exhibit strong written and oral communication skills, incorporating a trauma-informed approach that emphasizes sensitivity, active listening, and clear, compassionate communication.
• Organizational Skills: Utilize strong organizational skills to navigate and manage tasks.
• Effective Relatability: Ability to authentically and effectively relate to youth, families, community agencies, and referral sources, acknowledging and respecting the diverse experiences of individuals affected by trauma.
• Collaborative Team Player: Demonstrate the ability to work independently and as an active team member, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes trauma-informed care and mutual support.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Maturity: Exhibit maturity and sensitivity to cultural and individual differences in children and families served, recognizing the significance of cultural competence in trauma-informed practice.
• Professionalism and Confidentiality in Trauma Context: Handle job-related matters in a professional, diplomatic, and confidential manner, acknowledging the heightened importance of privacy and trust in trauma-informed interactions.
• Speaking and hearing ability to allow for effective oral communication of information.
• Ability to transport self and clients to various locations in a personal vehicle.

Benefits:

• PTO (paid-time-off) accrual 3 weeks first year (full-time)
• 9 paid holidays
• 1 floating holiday
• Sick Leave accrual 12 days per year (full-time)
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401K with company match
• Company paid life insurance, STD and LTD
• Supplemental life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Program

CHAIL provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.