Caminar Careers

Position Title:School Based Therapist

Department:Family Support Services

Reports to:Clinical Supervisor

Classification:Regular, Full-Time, Exempt

Salary:                             $82,800+ DOE + Full Benefits Package

About Us: Since 1948, Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley (FCS) has been promoting the resilience, safety, and wellness of individuals, families, and communities throughout Santa Clara County. FCS brings its counseling, prevention, and support services to dozens of community locations, including schools, community centers, jails, and health clinics. FCS counsels children and teens coping with the effects of trauma, provides a way forward for adults in recovery from addiction, and empowers families to heal from violence and abuse. FCS merged with and became a division of Caminar in January 2017.

Position Summary: The School Based Therapist is under the supervision of a School Based Clinical Supervisor or Clinical Supervisor qualified and experienced in School Based Services.  This position provides on-site counseling to school site(s) within the contract between the School District and Family and Children Services.  The School Based Therapist meets with the Clinical Supervisor one hour per week for individual supervision and if recommended two hours per week for group supervision. The positions hours are based on the contract with the School District.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

•  Provides direct counseling services on a weekly basis or as indicated in the IEP to special ed students in their assigned classroom(s). In addition, provides group, family, and parent counseling when appropriate.

•  Provides direct counseling services on a weekly basis to general ed students. In addition, provides group, family, and parent counseling when appropriate. Available for crisis intervention in the classroom.

• Respond to emergency student situations involving extreme emotional crisis as requested by teacher, Behavioral Specialist, parent, or student.

• Provides consultation to school personnel and is a liaison with outside agencies and professionals.

• Observes students in the classroom setting on a regular basis.

•  Participates in Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings; prepares the written mental health functioning portion of the IEP.

• Participates with the Special Ed team or classroom team (including teacher(s), aides, Behavior Specialist, and school psychologist in management of student functioning.

• Participates in team meetings.

• Participates in weekly individual supervision.

• Participate in weekly group supervision if required / recommended.

• Maintains excellent client records and completes all required reports and paperwork in compliance with legal and ethical standards dictated by the mental health profession.

• Maintains excellent communication with staff and community.

• Participates in on-going continuation of education in current research, trends, and practices in mental health treatment of General Ed and Special Ed school-age children.

Requirements, Qualifications, Skills & Abilities:

• Education: A minimum of a Master's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Marriage and Family Therapy. 

• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:  License or intern registration with the California Board of Behavioral Science or the California Board of Psychology. Current California driver's license.

• Experience: Experience treating children / youths with a variety of clinical disorders including: adjustment, impulse control, mood, anxiety, autism spectrum, substance abuse, complicated trauma, and youths with immerging personality disorders traits. Experience in treating children / youths with unsafe thoughts and behaviors including self-harm, harm to others and suicidality. Experience in treating youths with comorbidity issues and / or multi-problematic issues. Case management skills and the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.  Thorough clinical knowledge and experience in providing mental health services to children, adults, and families.

• Language Skills: Spanish speaking preferred.

• Able to uphold professional standards in work ethics and abides by ethical and legal standards dictated by the mental health profession.  Able to make sound and clinically appropriate decisions. Strives to provide high quality counseling services and professional relationships as a representative of FCS. 

• Computer skills - Proficient using Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet Explorer. Electronic Health Record knowledge and experience desirable.                                                                   

• Other Skills and Abilities:  Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish.

Physical, Environmental and Mental Requirements:

• Physical: Occasionally required to push/pull objects up to 50 lbs, and to lift/carry objects up to 25 lbs. Frequently required to perform moderately difficult manipulative tasks such as typing, writing, etc. Must be able to walk, stand, sit for extended periods.
• Sensory: Frequently required to read documents, written reports, and plans. Must be able to distinguish normal sounds with some background noise, as in answering the phone, interacting with residents and staff, etc. Must be able to speak clearly and understand/be understood using the English language.
• Cognitive: Frequently required to concentrate on moderate detail with constant interruption. Must be able to attend to a task/function for 20-45 minutes at a time. Frequently required to understand and relate to specific ideas, several at a time. Must be able to remember multiple tasks/assignments given to self and others over a period of several days. 
• Environmental Conditions: Frequent exposure to varied office and mixed (residential/office) environments. Occasional exposure to toxins and poisonous substances, dust, and loud noises.
• Equipment: Frequently required to use a computer, phone, and fax machine.

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to meet and receive a criminal records clearance, as required by Title XXII, other licensing regulations, and Caminar practices.
• This position requires frequent driving.  A valid California driver license, reliable personal vehicle, current personal auto insurance as required by law, and an MVR sufficient to obtain and reasonably maintain insurability under agency auto liability policies are all essential job requirements.
• Must be able to pass post offer, pre-employment medical and drug tests as required under State Community Care Licensing regulations and/or agency policies.
• Must obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification.

Caminar is a leader in providing innovative client-oriented mental health services.  We are an equal opportunity employer.  Please visit our web site at www.caminar.org