School Based Mental Health Therapist

Orchard Place; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance available

PSLF eligibility

Paid CEU trainings and supervision for

Competitive benefits and time off

Job summary

Orchard Place is seeking a School Based Children’s Mental Health Therapist to deliver diagnostic and treatment services to students and families within school settings in the Des Moines area. You will work on a collaborative school support team, develop case plans, and provide family life and mental health education as needed.

The role requires licensure or eligibility (LMSW/LISW/LMHC/LMFT or temporary licensure) with experience serving children and families.

Qualifications

• Licensed or eligible to be licensed in Iowa as LMSW/LISW/LMHC/LMFT or temporarily licensed (T-LMHC/T-LMFT).
• Experience delivering therapy to children and families.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and family therapy to students in the school setting.
• Evaluate children and families and develop treatment plans.
• Collaborate with school staff and advocate for client needs within the school.
• Provide consultation and education to schools about mental health topics.
• Help children build resiliency and coping strategies.
• Participate in case planning and monitor progress toward goals.

Skills

Licensure eligibility

Experience with children and families

Excellent communication skills

Education

LMSW/LISW/LMHC/LMFT or temp license in Iowa

Job description

School Based Children’s Mental Health Therapist

Why Orchard Place?

At Orchard Place, we are dedicated to building a brighter future for children and families through compassionate care, early intervention, and community integration. Join our team and be part of a mission-driven organization that values diversity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Job Title: School Based Children’s Mental Health Therapist

Location: Des Moines metro area (School Locations Vary)

Pay for this position is posted at:

• $50,000 base salary for non-independently licensed therapists
• $54,500 base salary for independently licensed therapist
• $2000 sign-on bonus upon hire for non-independently and independently licensed therapists
• Salary adjustments made to compensate applicable experience.

Schedule for this position: Standardized schedule options available. School-year positions available.

Position Overview:

The School Based Therapist provides mental health diagnostic and treatment services to children and parents in school setting. Participates on collaborative school support team which includes program and building staff from program agencies and organizations. Participates in case planning with team members and in monitoring growth of children and parents served toward meeting goals of the case plan. Consults with program and building staff and related agencies. Provides family life and mental health education services as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide individual and family therapy to students directly in the school with emphasis on dealing with trauma
• Evaluate children, parents, and families; completing comprehensive and mental status exams
• Evaluate and assess child, youth, and families and develop specific mental health treatment plans
• Collaborate with school personnel and advocate for client’s needs within the school setting
• Provide consultation and education to schools about mental health topics
• Help kids experience success, have hope, and build resiliency in their lives

Qualifications:

• Licensed, or eligible for license, in Iowa as an LMSW, LISW, LMHC or LMFT or temporarily licensed in Iowa as T-LMHC or T-LMFT.
• Experience providing therapeutic services to children, youth and families
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to function independently

What are some of the things our current staff enjoy while working here?

• Create meaningful impact on the lives of children and families we serve.
• Work with a supportive and diverse team to provide the best care to our clients.
• Receive professional development and training opportunities at no cost to you. Orchard Place values growth and change for all employees (not just non-independently licensed staff). We are here to support you through your own personal career development and offer training in specialized interest areas.
  • Includes access to paid CEU approved trainings and training in evidenced based models such as Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), and Trust Based Relational Interventions (TBRI).
• Enjoy a competitive benefits and time off package. Relocation assistance available.
• Have your employment at Orchard Place qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF forgives the remaining balance on your federal Direct Loans after you make 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full time for a qualifying public service employer (such as Orchard Place).
• Earn quarterly bonus for exceeding billable hour goals
• Non-independently licensed therapists receive supervision towards independent licensure at no cost. All staff receive individual supervision and opportunity to join group supervision.
• Experience professional advancement opportunities upon independent licensure:
  • Lead Therapist: Receive additional compensation and growth as you assume additional responsibilities such as delivering educational presentations; participating on committees, task forces or boards at Orchard Place or in the community; mentoring new staff; and organizing team-building and self-care activities.
  • Senior Therapist: Following 3 years of independent licensure, Senior Therapists receive additional compensation as you complete the supervisor training course, assist in covering clinical supervision needs, and continue to assume responsibilities of Lead Therapist.

Criminal and abuse registry checks completed as required by Orchard Place's licensing and accreditation standards.