School Based Mental Health Clinician

 Welcome to your opportunity to change the world! If you have a servant’s heart and want to be part of something truly special, then Caritas Family Solutions needs you. We have been serving the people of Illinois since 1947 and have over 500 committed and mission-driven team members.  At Caritas, we do not hire people for jobs, we find new team members for rewarding and life-changing careers that make the world better. 

If you are kind, patient, and ready to make a difference, we would love to meet you!

Full-time employees are offered the competitive benefits outlined below:

• Generous Paid Time Off 
• Paid training
• Health Insurance 
• Dental and Vision
• Life insurance
• 403(b) with company contribution 5%
• Tuition reimbursement

We know great candidates bring a wide range of experience. If you believe you can be successful in this role, we encourage you to apply — even if you don’t meet every qualification listed. 

PURPOSE: Directly reports to the Clinical Director for administrative and program issues, and is responsible for assessment of mental health conditions, treatment plan development, therapeutic services for adults, children and families, emergency services, community education, case management, assistance in program policy changes, supervision of practicum students, providing linkages, assistance in staff development and support, program and self-development.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Meet with the Clinical Director monthly and with other program staff for administrative program planning meetings.
• Participate in staff meetings, medical staffings, supervision, clinical staffings, annual evaluations, and other appropriate agency meetings.
• Deliver clinical services to mental health clients, including, but not limited to, assessments, family, conjoint, individual, group, and marital therapy, and case management within the school setting. 
• Provide support for the agency’s crisis assistance service by handling calls when contacted. 
• Complete all necessary clinical documentation such as assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes in accordance with agency standards regarding timeliness, content and format. 
• Meet agency standards for billable services.
• Participate as needed in peer review and program evaluations.
• Provide community education by making presentations at schools, social clubs, newspaper articles, etc. 
• Continue to acquire new clinical knowledge and abilities in order to improve outcomes of clinical services provided.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Please note that the Responsibilities and Qualifications provide a general overview of the primary duties for this role and the basic qualifications. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIRED/PREFERRED:

Degree/Field Required:  Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or Behavioral Science 

Experience Required: On-the-job experience in counseling and adult/child case load, and/or experience and working knowledge of a community mental health setting

Licenses/Certifications Preferred:  Illinois State License in Professional Counseling or Social Work 

SKILLS REQUIRED: 

Manager-Specific:  Ability to provide clinical leadership, professional guidance, and support to practicum students and interdisciplinary team members. Ability to represent the agency professionally in community settings and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

Basic: Strong written and verbal communication skills, clinical documentation abilities, active listening, critical thinking, and organization. Ability to conduct mental health assessments, develop treatment plans, maintain accurate records, and meet documentation and billing requirements.

Social:  Ability to establish therapeutic relationships with children, adults, families, and community partners. Demonstrates empathy, professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, schools, medical providers, and referral sources.

Problem Solving/Decision-Making: Ability to assess client needs, determine appropriate interventions, evaluate risk factors, respond to crisis situations, and develop effective treatment strategies. Ability to exercise sound clinical judgment while managing multiple responsibilities and deadlines.

Proficient Computer Skills In: Microsoft Office Suite and electronic documentation/database systems.

Expert Computer Skills In:  Electronic health records, clinical documentation systems, and Microsoft Office applications.

Resource Management:  Ability to manage a therapeutic caseload, prioritize client needs, coordinate services, and maintain compliance with agency, state, and funding requirements.

Technical: Ability to complete assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, case management activities, clinical reports, and other required documentation in accordance with agency standards and regulatory requirements.

Trauma-Informed: Demonstrates a commitment to trauma-informed care principles and applies those principles consistently when supporting youth and collaborating with team members. 

VEHICLE RELATED REQUIREMENTS: 

Access to reliable transportation: Required.

Access to a reliable automobile: Required. 

Proof of continued auto insurance: Required.

Valid driver’s license: Required.

Additional license requirements: N/A

DRUG FREE WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Caritas Family Solutions is dedicated to maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive environment for our clients and employees. As part of this, a strict drug-free workplace policy is maintained.