Mental Health Clinician 18833-2026

Vancouver Public Schools; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Vancouver Public Schools invites applications for a Mental Health Clinician. This temporary grant-funded role supports student well-being, with an anticipated end date of December 31, 2027.

The position involves crisis intervention, individual and group therapy, and collaboration with teachers and families within the school setting. Qualified candidates hold a WA Mental Health Counselor license (or associate license) and a Master’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related

Qualifications

• Valid Washington Mental Health Counselor License or Associate License preferred
• Master’s Degree from an accredited university in psychology, counseling, social work or related field
• Experience working effectively with diverse groups of teachers, students, and families
• Experience conducting large-group presentations
• Experience conducting small group and individual therapy sessions
• Experience maintaining data and records related to therapy services
• Strong understanding of poverty, gang affiliation, childhood/adolescent mental health development, DSM V, diagnosis and treatment, neglect, and substance abuse
• Ability to work with community agencies and organizations to obtain support and resources
• Willingness to participate in professional development aligned with school and district initiatives

Responsibilities

• Works in a flexible and cooperative manner
• Treats co-workers, supervisors, students, families and others with dignity and respect at all times
• Serves as a positive role model for students, and practices the behaviors that are expected of our students
• Work to build relationships and establish trust with students, families and staff by maintaining a visible presence within the school
• Work directly with families and teachers to help students develop a positive self-concept and open communication, creating a positive school climate
• Provides crisis intervention and guidance services in school settings
• Participation in individual behavioral planning, documentation and intervention, as needed (behavior plans, IEP meetings, manifestation determinations, threat assessment, individual and group clinical, and crisis intervention)
• Maintain necessary data for purposes of analyzing student progress and program effectiveness
• Work with students and families from culturally, racially, and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Performs other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor

Job description

Position Details

Title: Mental Health Clinician

This is a temporary grant funded position with an anticipated end date of December 31, 2027.

Posting: Description

Mental Health Therapist (8.0 hours per day, 10 months per year)

We appreciate your interest in employment with Vancouver Public Schools (VPS). All applications are considered and reviewed. The most qualified and competitive applicant(s) that possess directly related experience and expertise, training, and education may be invited to participate in the interview / selection process. As part of the selection process, VPS conducts confidential reference checks to include former and present employers and also requires a criminal background investigation. Unfortunately, due to the number of applications received, not all applicants will receive an interview.

Résumés should include education, relevant experience (including current position), and skills which highlight the qualifications of the position to which a person is applying.

All district employees are encouraged to review their personnel file periodically to ensure their file includes current and relevant documentation that supports their education, experience, training, etc., as it relates to qualifications described on job postings.

Qualifications

• A valid Washington Mental Health Counselor License or Associate License, strongly preferred
• Master’s Degree from an accredited university in psychology, counseling, social work or related field
• Experience working effectively with diverse groups of teachers, students, and families
• Experience conducting large-group presentations
• Experience conducting both small group and individual therapy sessions
• Experience maintaining data and records as related to therapy services
• Strong understanding (through coursework/experience) of issues relating to poverty, gang affiliation, childhood and adolescent mental health development, DSM V, diagnosis and treatment, neglect, and substance abuse
• Ability to work effectively with community agencies and organizations to obtain support and resources
• Willingness to participate in professional development aligned with the school and district initiatives

Other Requirements

• Ability to lift and move moderately sized objects up to 50 pounds
• Regular attendance to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position to achieve program requirements

Essential Functions

• Works in a flexible and cooperative manner
• Treats co-workers, supervisors, students, families and others with dignity and respect at all times
• Serves as a positive role model for students, and practices the behaviors that are expected of our students
• Work to build relationships and establish trust (with students, families and staff) by maintaining a visible presence within the school
• Work directly with families and teachers to help students develop a positive self-concept, enhance open communication, and create a positive school climate in which students can learn
• Provides crisis intervention and guidance services in school settings.
• Participation in individual behavioral planning, documentation and intervention, as needed (behavior plans, IEP meetings, manifestation determinations, threat assessment, individual and group clinical, and crisis intervention)
• Maintain necessary data for purposes of analyzing student progress and program effectiveness
• Work cooperatively with students and families from culturally, racially, and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Performs other tasks and assumes other responsibilities as assigned by supervisor

It is understood VPS has the right to transfer and assign employees to best fit the needs of the district.

The position is grant funded, currently only authorized through 12/18/26.

Benefits/Compensation

Salary & Time Off

New employees start at the minimum hourly rate in the salary range. However, employees with verified prior years of service in a similar occupational status from other Washington School Districts or Educational Service Districts may receive experience credit toward salary placement. Salary schedules can be accessed here.

Benefits

• Employees anticipated to work at least 630 hours may be eligible for health, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life, and disability insurance benefits.
• Detailed eligibility information can be found here.

Retirement

Employees may be eligible for retirement benefits through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) based on position FTE. Detailed information can be found here.

Time Off

Vancouver Public Schools offers paid holidays and paid time off, including but not limited to, sick, vacation, personal, and bereavement leave.

• Sick Leave: 8 hours per month (part-time employee accrual will be proportionate to their FTE).
• Personal Leave: 3 days per school year
• Twelve (12) month full-time Pro Tech employees are eligible to accrue ten (10) days vacation at one (1) - five (5) years of service. The accrual days are incrementally improved by five (5) days at the completion of five (5), eleven (11) and twenty (20) consecutive years of service respectively.