School-based Therapist - APS NW (60287)

Aurora Mental Health & Recovery; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 56,387 - 73,304; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance: Kaiser

Dental and vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Paid time off during school breaks

Quality supervision towards licensure

Job summary

Aurora Mental Health & Recovery is seeking a School-Based Therapist for the 2026 - 2027 school year in Aurora, Colorado. In this on-site role, you'll provide direct support to K-12 students, addressing their mental health needs. Candidates should have relevant degrees and be skilled in trauma treatment. The position offers paid time off during school breaks and a salary based on experience. Additionally, bilingual differential pay is available. Join us to make a lasting impact in our schools.

Qualifications

• Must have a mental health Candidate Permit within 30 days of hire.
• At least one year of clinical experience preferred for unlicensed positions.
• At least two years of clinical experience for licensed positions.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct therapeutic support to K‑12 students for mental health needs.
• Conduct assessments and develop treatment plans.
• Collaborate with school staff and lead wellness initiatives.

Skills

Trauma treatment

Clinical assessments

Crisis intervention

Individual therapy

Group therapy

Education

Master’s or Doctoral degree in professional counseling

Licensing requirements for therapists

Job description

Hiring for 2026 - 2027 School year! Make a lasting impact where it matters most—our schools. As a School‑Based Therapist at Aurora Mental Health & Recovery (AMHR), you’ll provide direct therapeutic support to K‑12 students, addressing their mental health needs while fostering growth, resilience, and well‑being. We are seeking a Master’s‑level Unlicensed Therapist (MA in Counseling with a Candidate Permit – SWC/LSW, LPCC, or MFT‑C), Licensed Therapist (LCSW, LPC, or LMFT), or an Unlicensed/Licensed Psychologist to join our School‑Based Services (SBS) team. In this role, you will conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, collaborate with school staff, and lead wellness initiatives. Our SBS team serves Aurora Public Schools, Cherry Creek Schools, Bennett & Byers School Districts, and local charter schools, following a school calendar with time off during summer and major breaks. If you’re passionate about community service and supporting student well‑being, apply today!

Work Schedule

• Shift: Monday–Friday, during school hours, fully onsite/in‑person.
• Duration: 10 months during the school year, paid over 12 months.
• Time Off: Paid time off during all school breaks (fall, winter, spring, and summer—including the whole month of July off).

Salary for this role

Salary is based on 1.0 FTE (full time equivalent) or 40 hours per week. Fewer than 40 hours per week will be prorated and adjusted to the appropriate FTE. Salary is also based on experience, licensure and company equity. Paid bi‑weekly.

• Unlicensed Therapist: $56,387.92– $73,304.29 per year.
• Licensed Therapist: $61,844.64 – $83,373.58 per year.
• Unlicensed Psychologist: $64,129.15 – $76,461.69 per year.
• Licensed Psychologist: $91,136.21 – $108,662.41 per year.

Bilingual Language Differential Pay

Employees who successfully pass a language assessment are eligible to receive bilingual differential pay. This differential is provided as a fixed amount of $3,000 per calendar year, paid on a bi‑weekly basis across 26 pay periods, and prorated based on hire date and full‑time equivalency (FTE). Eligibility and payment are subject to the language requirements of the position and the employee’s demonstrated proficiency in the language.

About You

An ideal candidate should be skilled in trauma treatment and have experience working in a school setting with diverse student populations, with a demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion. A successful School‑Based Therapist is someone who is highly proactive with an ability to build successful relationships in new settings. This person should be comfortable working autonomously, highly organized, and communicative.

Essential Functions

• Facilitate recovery and optimal quality of life in clients with behavioral health concerns, by providing clinical services, case management and education. In collaboration with the client, create and carry out a consistent plan of treatment, from intake and assessment to closure.
• Conduct diagnostic assessments, as well as individual, family and/or group therapy with assigned clients.
• Develop and monitor treatment plans; update at required intervals.
• Consult with internal and external professionals and collaterals to ensure access to needed services and proactive coordination of care.
• Provide clinical case‑management services as needed. Provide crisis intervention as appropriate.
• Provide comprehensive clinical services designed to decrease symptoms and improve quality of life.
• Assist clients to evaluate strengths and symptoms, and to set their own goals.
• Guide and instruct clients in coping skills.
• Offer consultation to community partners and providers.
• Ensure that billing information is up‑to‑date for assigned clients. Seek insurance authorization for services as required.
• Write reports and other correspondence, as necessary, and with appropriate releases.
• Complete all requests to provide the necessary information and undertake the required activities to ensure timely and ongoing credentialing with third‑party payers.
• Monitor and coordinate care for assigned clients in partnership with the other members of the client’s care team.

Qualifications

• Unlicensed Therapist or Psychologist:
  • Master’s or Doctoral degree in professional counseling from a program that’s accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), COAMFTE (Commission on Accreditation for Marriage & Family Therapy Education), CSWE (Council on Social Work Education), or APA (American Psychological Association).
  • Must obtain a mental health Candidate Permit (e.g.; LPCC, LSW/​SWC, PSYC, or MFTC) within 30 days of hire and actively pursue an independent clinical license (LPC, LP, LCSW, or LMFT). AMHR will provide quality supervision for clinical hours towards licensure at no cost to the employee.
  • Preferred: At least one year of clinical experience providing care to the appropriate client population, including diagnosing, conducting intake assessments, and delivering individual, family or group therapy.
• Licensed Therapist or Psychologist:
  • At least two years of clinical experience providing care, including individual, family and/or group therapy.
  • Professional licensure: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or Licensed Psychologist (PhD, PsyD).
• Knowledge of theories and evidence‑based practices related to clinical treatment.
• Ability to learn and utilize an electronic health record with proficiency.
• Solid understanding of mental illness and treatment modalities within multidisciplinary approach.
• Knowledge of DSM‑5.
• Ability to understand and effectively respond to all client presentations and crisis situations.
• Ability to document interactions with clients, other agencies and mental health professionals.

Required Vaccination And TB Test

AMHR has prioritized the health and safety of our clients and staff and requires all employees to receive an annual influenza (flu) shot and receive negative TB test results prior to their first day of hire. Proof of the flu shot and negative TB test will be required upon your first day of employment. Medical and religious exemptions may be requested for the annual flu shot or TB test.

Benefits

• Health insurance: Kaiser
• Dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts (dependent care & health care)
• Company paid basic life and AD&D insurance
• Long‑term disability coverage*
• 403(b) retirement plan which provides 100% vesting immediately, and matching contributions up to 4% after one year of employment
• Accrued Sick Pay up to 12 days per year, plus 10 Paid Company Holidays, and 2 floating holidays (hours calculated pro‑rata basis based on full‑time equivalency)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary term life insurance
• Short term disability*
• Eligible for benefit if working 30 hours per week or more

Additional Perks

• Quality Supervision for clinical hours towards licensure at no cost to the employee.
• Continued learning benefit. AMHR meets the definition of Deem Status provided by DORA for LPC, LCSW, and LMFT licenses.
• Access to an online database of clinical trainings to help you meet the continuing education licensure requirements, reimbursement to attend conferences based on your specialty interests, and regular in‑person trainings on a variety of clinical topics.
• Because focusing on clients is what matters most, billing and administrative work is taken care of by your supportive team, so you don’t have to worry about your own billing!

Our Mission, Vision and Core Values

Mission: Deeply rooted in our diverse community, we deliver state‑of‑the‑art care and meaningful outcomes that impact emotional well‑being and addiction recovery.

Vision: To foster hope and healing through compassionate, quality care.

Core Values: Passionate caring; Rising to the challenge; Honoring and respecting all persons; Believing in resilience; Putting clients and community first; Commitment to collaboration and teamwork.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

Aurora Mental Health & Recovery and subsidiaries (AMHR) are dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and length, protective hairstyles), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law. We do not tolerate discrimination in any form or context including harassment or exclusion.