School-Based Therapist (Exempt)

Summary:

The Therapist counsels clients requiring one or more forms of psychosocial interventions and interviews clients experiencing problems with individual, school, and/or family adjustments. The therapist secures and evaluates applicable related information and refers clients to JFS services, community resources, and other organizations.

The Therapist works collaboratively with the JFS clinical team to help children adjust to challenges and develop skills to achieve their goals and move forward in their educational and social lives. The Therapist counsels clients utilizing psychosocial interventions and interviews clients experiencing problems with individual, school, and/or family adjustments. The Therapist secures and evaluates applicable related information and refers clients to JFS services, community resources, and other organizations.

Essential Functions

• In a school setting, provides counseling to clients, prepares treatment plans, and provides crisis intervention and emergency services.
• Counsels clients individually, in families, or in small groups.
• Secures information on medical, psychological, and social factors contributing to the client’s situation. Evaluates these along with the client’s strengths and family support to formulate a therapeutic approach or referral to other specialists.
• Refers clients to JFS programs, community resources, and other organizations as needed. May determine or participate in determining client’s eligibility for financial assistance.
• Assesses client progress and modifies treatment plans accordingly. Communicates with and counsels family members as appropriate.
• Completes case record documentation and prepares reports. Develops and/or reviews service plan and performs follow up to determine quality and quantity of service provided to client and status of client’s case. Provides feedback to PQI committee on results.
• Accesses and records client and community resource information.
• Works as a team member with other professionals in delivery of care management services.
• Plans and facilitates community outreach and educational activities.

Additional Responsibilities

• May serve as a liaison or consultant to community organizations and schools.
• Demonstrates teamwork and support of the JFS mission and values.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned
• Complies with all company policies and standards.

Qualifications

To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with varying abilities to perform the essential functions.

Education: Master’s degree in social work, counseling, or psychology

Work Experience: Experience directly related to the delivery of psychotherapy and/or social services.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Interviewing, psychosocial assessment, and diagnostic skills. Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.
• Ability to evaluate the progress of therapeutic plans and make individual modifications.
• Experience in making classroom/community presentations.
• Skill in preparing and maintaining accurate and timely case record documentation.
• Skill in gathering data, compiling information, and preparing reports.
• Knowledge of community support services and resources.
• Ability to use general office equipment, computers, and related software programs.

Licenses, Certifications and Professional Affiliations:

Provisional licensure as a clinical social worker, psychologist, or counselor is required. Licensure preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A

Work Environment

Work is typically performed in an office environment, or in a school, camp, or synagogue.

Physical Demands

This position requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds. The potential exists for highly stressful and emotionally charged encounters with clients and/or family members.

Travel

There may be some travel within the community for meetings. Access to private transportation is required.

Other

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

JFS 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.