School-Based Clinician

Volunteers of America of Alaska; Anchorage (AK); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Volunteers of America of Alaska seeks a School Based Clinician to provide mental health and substance use services to students in identified Anchorage schools. The role includes on-site schoolwork with potential telehealth support from home, serving elementary through high school based on need and expertise.

The position is a 10-month exempt, full-time role with an 8-week hiatus in June/July. Master’s in counseling/psychology/social work and 2+ years of relevant experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field.
• Two years’ experience preferred working with children and adolescents with behavioral health issues.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of up to 20 adolescents (caseload may vary).
• Provide mental health/substance use assessments, treatment plans, reviews, case management, crisis intervention, individual/group/family therapy.
• Provide trauma-informed services, de-escalation techniques, and referrals to care in school settings.

Skills

Excellent writing and communication

Independent work

Critical thinking

Judgment and decision making

Active learning

Team player

Cultural competence

Education

Master’s degree in counseling/psychology/social work

Job description

Position Title:School Based Clinician

Reports To:Clinical Supervisor School-Based Services

Classification:Exempt; Salary; Full-Time

School-Based Clinician (10-month position)

This position is scheduled for an 8 week hiatus during summer months (June & July). Benefits are available year-round to ensure no interruptions in coverage.

Overview

The School Based Clinician is responsible for providing clinical services to the clients enrolled in identified Anchorage School, potential to serve in elementary, middle or high school depending on experience, competence and passion. This position is a critical component to the VOA service delivery system, but is a satellite member of the outpatient team primarily working at the school site for on-site clinical support and/or in a confidential space at home facilitating services & support through a virtual platform. Expectations regarding duties and responsibilities are outlined in the essential functions, duties and responsibilities.

VOA is a youth-serving organization providing prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery supports to youth and families struggling with mental illness and addiction. We are honored to walk with families during these times and provide support and hope through recovery. Our core values are connection, responsibility, courage, innovation, hope, and joy. We are looking for individuals who espouse these core values and align with this mission of services to the community.

Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities

• Responsible for managing a caseload of up to 20 adolescents (depending on severity, frequency of services/contact).
• Responsible for providing mental health/substance use services to include conducting integrated/substance use/mental health assessments, treatment plans, treatment plan reviews, case management, crisis intervention, individual, group and family therapy sessions.
• Provide technical assistance/consultation and other related resources to school setting on trauma informed services, de-escalation techniques, identifying behavioral health needs and referrals to care.
• Provide mental health and wellness related training to school faculty and families of ASD students.
• Coordination of services with school-based staff including teachers, counselors, and administrators; substance abuse counselors (if applicable), out-patient providers (if applicable), Lead Mental Health Clinician, Program Manager of Outpatient Services, Consulting Psychiatrist and Consulting Psychologist.
• Provides input into development of mental health services to include group curriculum development (if and when applicable).
• Completes documentation and services in accordance with Medicaid, CARF, Division of Public Health, and Division of Behavioral Health regulations and standards and agency policy and procedures.
• Functions as a full member of the outpatient clinical team and works collaboratively with all treatment team members to ensure youth are receiving effective services in accordance to their treatment plan.
• Maintains program integrity and client safety.
• Responsible for maintaining contact with parents regarding to client’s treatment plan, prognosis and treatment progress.
• Responsible for maintaining contact with teachers or other school officials regarding client’s needs.
• Maintains client confidentiality and safeguards client information per 42 C.F.R. part 2 and HIPAA privacy and security regulations.
• Expected to complete all assigned duties in accordance with timelines established by immediate supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Master’s Degree in a counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field

Two years’ experience preferred working with children and adolescents experiencing behavioral health complications and conditions that have impacted the quality of their life.

Proven ability to work with diverse community groups; with a focus on providing culturally competent services, knowledge of diverse values and belief systems, ability to provide culturally appropriate and individualized treatment services

Ability to make sound decisions based on information available.

Excellent writing and communication skills

Ability to work independently

Excellent writing and communication skills.

Therapy and Counseling — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of substance use and mental health disorders.

Critical Thinking — Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Demonstrates a solution focused attitude and is a good team player.

Ability to work flexible hours (including days, evenings, and some weekend hours).

Ability to travel if required (must have own transportation).

Ability to provide current credentials and if not current, willing to work towards certification requirements and obtain QAP within 3 years of hire.

Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work from home/In office combination:Includes structured workdays with consistent days and times. Must be available/reachable and hooked in to the VOAAK phone/ IT system and must be reachable via telephone and email during available work hours. Must have a private work area for conducting telehealth services at home.

Remote work: This position will include various off-site locations, work in the community. Ability to work independently is vital to the success of this position while managing workflow and own client contact/scheduling.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds. The vision requirement includes close vision.

Acknowledgement

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, this job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you may be required to perform. The omission of specific descriptions of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or can be considered essential to this position.