School Based Crisis Therapist

Kenneth Young Center; Elk Grove Village (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Kenneth Young Center in Elk Grove Village is seeking a Child and Adolescent School Based Therapist. This role involves providing mental health services to children and adolescents aged 3-24 in a collaborative school setting. Responsibilities include conducting assessments and delivering therapy.

The successful candidate will have a Master’s degree and experience working with youth. Frequent travel is necessary, along with strong communication skills. We offer opportunities for continuing education and supervision.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience working with children and adolescents.
• Valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive mental health assessment and treatment planning services.
• Deliver individual, family, and group therapy services.
• Facilitate linkage to other services based on assessed need.

Skills

Crisis assessment/intervention services

Comprehensive behavioral health evaluations

Knowledge of child and adolescent development

Education

Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field

Job description

Child and Adolescent School Based Therapist

Job Scope

Join a diverse team of counselors and social workers providing mental health services in a collaborative and welcoming school and community setting. Gain supervised clinical experience with opportunities for continuing education throughout the year. Child & Adolescent Mobile Therapists for Northwest Suburban School Districts provide behavioral health services to individuals ages 3–24 years old and their families within a school District and within KYC’s service area. Therapists will provide crisis support and wrap‑around services, comprehensive mental health assessments, and engage clients/families in treatment planning and motivational enhancement while planning evidence‑based services to most effectively attain the client’s/family’s clinical goals. Services will be provided where needed by the client and school district including but not limited to school, client homes, clinic, telehealth, or within the community where appropriate. Specific team assignments and duties will be determined based on clinical expertise, experience, interest, and credentials.

Responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

1. Provide comprehensive mental health assessment and treatment planning services to clients.
2. Deliver individual, family, and group therapy services.
3. Collaborate with clients and families to create treatment plans reflecting client preferences and demonstrating medical necessity.
4. Provide crisis, stabilization, and support services, including:
   1. Supporting school personnel with screening potential crisis calls.
   2. Training school personnel on crisis intervention.
   3. Assessing client’s potential need for higher‑level care / SI/HI.
   4. Providing case‑management services to assist clients and families with access to needed benefits and services.
   5. Coordinating care by initiating or participating in client‑centered consultation with other internal and external providers.
   6. Assisting in establishing effective communication between the Center, other social agencies, and the community.
5. Facilitate linkage to other services provided at KYC based on assessed need.
6. Attend staffings or meetings as needed to coordinate care and services for the School District clients.

Administrative and Performance Requirements

1. Work cooperatively with internal and external team members to ensure timely access to quality services.
2. Meet agency quality and compliance standards by accurately completing clinical documentation and service reporting in accordance with agency requirements.
3. Meet or exceed service productivity targets.
4. Implement evidence‑based practices to ensure effective and efficient treatment addressing client needs.
5. Participate in staff trainings, development seminars, performance appraisals, supervision, and program evaluation.
6. Utilize outside resources as needed to provide comprehensive services to clients.
7. Promote a positive image of KYC with all contacts.
8. Exhibit high‑quality work, be a productive staff member, demonstrate cooperation, take initiative, use excellent judgment, communicate clearly, and make use of supervision.

Core Competencies

• Screening and crisis assessment/intervention services.
• Comprehensive behavioral health evaluations and assessments.
• Treatment/care planning and services.
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development and treatment theory, emotional disorders, and community‑based systems, including schools.
• Ability to engage children in care, assess children in crisis, diagnose mental health disorders in children/youth, and understand statutes and codes pertaining to minors.

Education and Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Psychology, or related field.
• One to three years of experience working with children and adolescents.
• Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, reliable transportation, and an excellent driving record.
• Experience working in office settings with a balance of community and client‑home visits.

Travel Requirements

• Frequent travel by automobile, exposure to changing weather conditions, and occasional exposure to fumes or airborne particles while conducting external KYC business or traveling between sites.

Physical Demands

• Use hands, fingers, and arms to handle objects and reach; stand, talk, and hear regularly.
• Drive safely and in compliance with Illinois laws.

Chain of Authority

Reports to Supervisor of C&A School Mobile Therapy.

Schedule / Timekeeping

Accurately record hours worked in the electronic timekeeping system on a daily basis in accordance with the time‑keeping policy and practice.

Kenneth Young Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.