School Based Counselor

UCAN (Chicago); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Job summary

UCAN in Chicago seeks a School Based Counselor to deliver direct mental health services within a school setting. You will provide individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and prevention programs, collaborating with families and school staff to support students' emotional and behavioral well-being.

Requirements include a Master’s degree in a related field, LICSW/LCPC/LCSW/LPC preferred, and IM-CAT/IM-CANs certification within 60 days.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or related field.
• L icensure as LSW/LCSW, LPC, LCPC, or equivalent preferred; IM-CAT/IM-CANs certification within 60 days of hire.
• 2+ years of experience providing mental health services, preferably in school-based settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling to address emotional, social or behavioral challenges.
• Engage families and community for counseling and collateral sessions.
• Crisis intervention and referrals for further care as needed.
• Develop treatment plans with goals for individuals and families.
• Psychoeducation and prevention programs for students and staff.
• Collaborate with school staff, administrators, and families to coordinate care.
• Provide outreach and counseling outside school when necessary.
• Maintain compliance and accurate case documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervision.

Skills

Therapeutic skills

Trauma-informed care

Cultural competence

Education

Master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or related field

State licensure (LSW/LCSW, LPC, LCPC) preferred

IM-CAT/IM-CANs certification within 60 days of hire

Job description

Brief Description

Position Title: School Based Counselor

Department: Counseling Services (CS)

Reports to: Program Supervisor/Clinical Director

Position Summary

The School-Based Counselor provides direct mental health services to students in a school setting and is responsible for individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and prevention programs. The role includes work with students' families and may extend to off-site sessions when school is not in session. The counselor will collaborate with school staff, families, and the community to create a comprehensive support system for students' emotional, behavioral, and social well-being. IM-CAT/IM-CANs certification is required for this role.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide Individual and Group Counseling: Offer counseling sessions to students to address emotional, social, or behavioral challenges and support their mental well-being and academic performance.
• Family and Community Engagement: When school is not in session, engage with families for individual and family counseling, provide community support services, and participate in case consultation and collateral sessions as needed.
• Crisis Intervention: Respond to mental health crises, providing immediate support and stabilization. Facilitate appropriate referrals for further care.
• Develop Treatment Plans: Conduct assessments to determine mental health needs and develop treatment plans, including individual and family therapy goals.
• Psychoeducation and Prevention Programs: Lead workshops and other prevention programs to promote mental health awareness among students, teachers, and families.
• Collaboration and Consultation: Work closely with school staff, administrators, and families to coordinate care and ensure the emotional and behavioral needs of students are met.
• Outreach and Counseling Outside School: Although primarily school-based, the counselor may provide services to students and families outside the school setting when necessary.
• Compliance and Reporting: Maintain accurate documentation and case notes, ensuring all reports adhere to ethical, legal, and regulatory standards.
• Other Duties as Assigned: Assist with additional tasks and responsibilities as directed by the supervisor or program leadership to support the overall functioning of the department and the organization.

Education/Job Experience/Certification

• Master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related field.
• Licensure as an LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC, or equivalent in the state is preferred.
• IM-CAT/IM-CANs certification is required or must be obtained within 60 days of hire.
• 2+ years of experience providing mental health services, preferably in a school-based or child-focused setting.
• Strong therapeutic skills, familiarity with trauma-informed care practices, and ability to collaborate with diverse populations. Experience working with families is a plus.

Special Knowledge And Qualifications

• Empathy and Compassion: Demonstrates understanding of students' and families' emotional needs.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Capable of working in various environments and adjusting to the unique needs of each setting, including working directly with families.
• Cultural Competence: Experience working with diverse populations and managing sensitive situations with professionalism.

Work Environment: Primarily based in a school environment but may require working with students and families outside of the school setting. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for school events, family sessions, or emergencies. Travel between school sites and family homes may be required.

Summary

At UCAN, we prioritize the health and well-being of our team, as it is essential to our mission of serving the community. Our competitive benefits package is designed to help you and your family thrive. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of the benefits we offer.

Benefits You Can Choose From

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability
• Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance
• Voluntary Accident Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Tuition Reimbursement

Benefits Provided At No Cost To You

• Group Life and AD'DD Insurance
• Group Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

UCAN is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.