Clinician (School Based Services)

Overview

The Clinician provides comprehensive, school-based services to support student success, social-emotional well-being, and overall development. Embedded within schools, staff deliver classroom-based social-emotional learning (SEL), individual and group counseling, mentoring, and facilitate connections to community resources. The role extends support to families and school staff through consultation, collaboration, and resource navigation.

This position is a full-time role (35 hours/week) with some flexibility required for school and community events. Travel between schools within the service area may be required.

Catholic Charities is non-profit human services agency that strives to empower individuals, children, and families across the eight counties of Western New York. For more than 100 years, Catholic Charities of Buffalo has provided HOPE to individuals and families of all faiths, backgrounds, and circumstances.

As the most comprehensive provider of human services in Western New York, Catholic Charities delivers wide-ranging programs to address systemic poverty, sudden financial crisis, hunger, behavioral health, workforce readiness, family stability, legal immigration and resettlement, and help for older adults. As a trauma-informed agency, we strive to support the total wellbeing of clients and employees.

Catholic Charities prioritizes wellness and diversity through various committees such as: CARE (Compassion, Acceptance, Respect for Everyone) Committee to create an inclusive environment where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued; Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Committee to lead agency efforts in creating and maintaining a trauma-informed workplace; Wellbeing Committee to empower staff to reach their full potential through personal wellness and community support; and the Safety Committee to maintain a physically and psychologically safe and welcoming environment for all.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide classroom-based social-emotional learning (SEL), short-term counseling, mentoring, and group facilitation tailored to students' developmental and emotional needs.
• Conduct crisis intervention, including de-escalation, lethality assessments, safety planning, and incident reporting.
• Strengthen family-school partnerships and connect families to community resources such as mental health services, basic needs assistance, and other supports.
• Consult with school staff to enhance classroom management, SEL strategies, student engagement, and responses to behavioral or safety concerns.
• Build and maintain relationships with community providers to ensure services align with school culture, goals, and student needs.
• Track services, referrals, and outcomes in the agency's case management system; ensure accurate and timely reporting to meet program and contractual requirements.
• Embody Catholic Charities' mission, vision, guiding principles, and policies to foster safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments.
• Adhere to high ethical standards and comply with Catholic Charities' Corporate Compliance Program, Code of Ethics, NYS Justice Center, OMH, COA, BBB standards, and funder requirements.
• Participate in school-based committees, management teams, and community events; collaborate on school-wide initiatives and special projects.
• Adapt services to meet evolving school and student needs, including availability for some non-traditional hours; perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related field preferred; Bachelor's degree is considered with relevant experience.
• Licensed or license-eligible in Social Work, Counseling, or related field preferred.
• At least one year of experience in school or community-based settings preferred, with strengths in relationship-building, student support, and collaborative programming.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.) and database management.
• Valid NYS driver's license and agency-required auto insurance coverage; ability to travel between schools and community agencies.
• Flexibility to work occasional outside typical business hours for school or agency-related activities/events.

Work Environment & Support

• This position is designed to be collaborative and supportive, with supervision available from supervisors and peers.
• Staff have opportunities to shape their workday and balance responsibilities in ways that support both professional goals and personal needs.
• The role includes engagement with school communities while allowing for thoughtful planning and occasional remote work.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• 25 PTO days per year (PTO is prorated based on start date)
• 15 paid holidays per year
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution after six months
• Employer‑paid life insurance and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Training & development opportunities

Applicants must reside in New York State to be considered.

Compensation shown above may vary based on factors including but not limited to skills, education, location and experience.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Catholic Charities of Buffalo is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. Catholic Charities of Buffalo will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the business. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact recruitment@ccwny.org.