School-Based Mental Health, Therapist

Overview

POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)

SCHOOL BASED MENTAL HEALTH (SBMH) THERAPIST

WORKING TITLE

School Based Mental Health (SBMH) Therapist

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

Counseling and Student Services (CaSS)

LOCATION

Crossroads II, Cary, NC

PAY GRADE

Guidance Counselors/Social Worker salary scale

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

No, grant funded position

WORK WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends) Position is eligible for hybrid telework workweek

POSITION PURPOSE:

Provides direct school-based mental health services to students in need of support. Develops, implements, and coordinates a mental health therapeutic program with the school, providing screening, evaluation, intervention services and transition planning. Skilled provision of mental health services (acute or chronic) of students, when working with students with mild to serious health impairments, is expected to analyze risk, problem solve effectively and demonstrate a high level of professional judgment when recommending and providing services, making environmental modifications and training staff to manage physical needs. Consults with educational and community personnel. Documents treatment planning and treatment activities, prepares evaluation reports, and documents student progress. This position is a grant-funded position dependent on funding provided by the U.S. Department of Education. Continuation of the position is contingent upon ongoing access to grant funding from the Department of Education during the calendar year and the Department's renewal of funding for subsequent calendar years. To the extent that grant funding is continuously renewed, the grant-funded position cannot extend beyond December 31, 2029.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Considerable knowledge of common diagnoses and treatments for school-aged children and possess the skills necessary to facilitate positive change in a school environment;
• Considerable knowledge of behavioral change theories and practices including early intervention positive behavior supports and tiered intervention practices (MTSS);
• Considerable knowledge of behavioral and education-based mental health needs of students including mental health disorders and substance use disorders; Brief counseling techniques and crisis intervention;
• Considerable knowledge of mental health and wellness related community and state resources;
• Considerable knowledge of trauma informed care;
• Considerable knowledge of special education programming as required in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act;
• Considerable knowledge of health regulations and ethics related to school-based mental health services including Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA);
• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google Apps;
• Ability to coordinate activities from many sources for the benefit of an individual student; organize work and provide effective services within a limited timeframe;
• Ability to conduct assessments, crisis intervention, and counseling; interpret test data; develop, coordinate, and deliver relevant training to students, parents, and staff;
• Ability to interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion; work independently with little direction;
• Ability to research and determine evidence-based practice supporting therapy interventions;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
• Ability to collaborate with other systems of care partners; demonstrate effective liaison relationships with parents, schools, and agencies.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree from an accredited University or College in the field of Psychology, Social Work, Counseling Education or Human Services field.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Hold or be qualified to hold a North Carolina Professional Educator's License for school social work, school counseling, or school psychology;
• Licensed (or license eligible) in the State of North Carolina to provide mental health services: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (LCMHC), Licensed Psychologist (LP);
• Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license according to the State of North Carolina requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with students in need of mental health services in a school setting; experience working with students who require special education services; experience developing and delivering professional development;
• Preference will be given to candidates who have 3-5 years' experience providing direct mental health services to students/adolescents (Legislature and DPI to see what qualifications are);
• Bilingual preferred.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assists in implementing a system of universal screening in coordination with the school-wide system of social-emotional supports for early identification of students at risk.
2. Provides mental health and wellness services and programs that foster pro-social skills and appropriate behavior.
3. Identifies the mental health and behavioral needs of students.
4. Conducts clinical interviews with parents and staff to determine the need for a therapy intervention plan.
5. Provides individual, group, and family therapy services and develops and implements treatment plans.
6. Conducts crisis and/or risk assessment and response.
7. Participates in interdisciplinary meetings to review evaluation results, offer recommendations, and develop individualized education plans and intervention plans to achieve IEP goals.
8. Provides training to students, parents, and staff in behavioral and social-emotional related preventions, interventions, and curricula.
9. Implements a process of referral for students to outside sources or agencies that can better address their specific needs, when needed.
10. Serves as a member of the school team and integrates within the school-wide culture and system.
11. Attends and participates in a variety of assigned meetings, committees, conferences, in-services, and

special events.

1. Consults with school-based teams to achieve student outcomes.
2. Demonstrates professional conduct, judgment, and decision-making that is in keeping with the role as a SBMH Therapist.
3. Maintains clinical and administrative records in accordance with professional standards, state guidelines, and school system policy.
4. Performs other related duties, as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This job operates in a professional office environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, students, parents, staff members of external agencies, and the community . Work is considered light physical work, requiring the exertion of up to ten pounds of force. The work frequently requires activities involving driving automotive equipment.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 3/2025

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.