Mental Health Therapist

Reports to: Director of Special Services

General Summary: To assist students with disabilities in overcoming their emotional problems or learning appropriate coping techniques, so they can function in a regular educational setting. To assist the families of these students in supporting their student's efforts.

Essential Functions:

• Participate, as assigned, in multidisciplinary team evaluations of students referred for possible emotional handicaps.
• Provide individual therapeutic services to students with emotional disabilities in accordance with their IEPs, and others as requested by supervisor.
• Consult with and provide in-service to teachers regarding therapeutic strategies to use with individuals, small groups and classes.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the therapist's role as a related service provider within the scope of special education programming and participate in case conferences, as requested, on specific students.
• Collaborate in the development of IEP goals and objectives for specific students, as well as the determination of how, and by whom, the goals will be addressed.
• Collaborate in the development of Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans as a member of the multidisciplinary IEP team for a student, and/or as a support to general education and special education teachers in this process.
• Act as a contact person for students in crisis and as a resource to building level staff, including conducting crisis assessments and participating in crisis intervention with specific students, as requested by the administration.
• Provide family counseling per case conference decision.
• Provide parenting classes as needed, and at the request of the supervisor.
• Provide group therapy sessions as needs arise.
• Implements a variety of psychiatric interventions, therapeutic techniques, and assessments in working with children, youth and their families.
• Be involved in community liaison/public-relation activities with agency partners such as mental health, welfare and probation, as appropriate.
• Facilitate the coordination of Wraparound services, local alternative service plans and applications for residential services.
• Facilitate in the counseling components needed after a death/community crisis.

Qualifications:

• Masters in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology or equivalent
• Indiana Teaching License preferred
• Experience Working with children and families
• Therapeutic Focus
• Knowledgeable about Special Education rules and regulations

Length of Contract: 195 days

Position Type: Exempt

These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a MHT.