JOB TITLE

MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST

REPORTS TO

DIRECTOR OF MENTAL HEALTH

SALARY SCHEDULE/GRADE

CLASSIFIED SALARY (LEVEL 3)

CONTRACTED DAYS 

186 DAYS

EXEMPT STATUS

EXEMPT

JOB CLASS CODE

7289

POSITION CLASSIFICATION

CLASSIFIED PROFESSIONAL

DATE APPROVED

4/16/2024

QUALIFICATIONS

One of the following credentials, or licenses:  Fully Kentucky Licensed Professional Counselor(LPCC); or Licensed Clinical Social  Worker(LCSW); or KY Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist; or Kentucky Licensed Clinical Psychologist; or KY Licensed Psychological Practitioner(LPP); or KY Licensed Psychologist; or KY Licensed Board Certified Behavioral Analyst; or Licensed Professional Art Therapist(LPAT) or any related credential to those listed that does not require clinical supervision to perform responsibilities listed above unless supervision is monitored by the licensing board.

Three (3) years of successful experience providing mental health and/or behavioral support with school-aged children preferred

Experience in crisis intervention, counseling, and trauma informed care

Hold a valid Kentucky driver’s license

POSITION SUMMARY

To provide integrated mental health well-being practices and counseling for students. To create caretaking systems that support healthy mental health development and overall student well-being. To provide evidence-based interventions at the classroom, individual, and group levels. To engage families, coordinate with community partners, and provide training, collaboration and consultation for school leaders.

DISTRICT AND SCHOOL PRIORITY ALIGNMENT

Align actions with district and school values and core priorities. 

Evaluated based on the efficacy of aligned actions. 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

Supports the identification of students at risk of, or showing signs of, mental health needs by triaging, assessment, therapeutic support, safeguarding support, as well as developing student support plans. 

Collaborates alongside the school’s leaders to co-create plans and support for students who present with mental health difficulties.

Collaborates with school leaders to prioritize individual school needs based on needs assessment and data

Participates in school-based teams for attendance and behavioral or mental health support as an active collaborator in the development of interventions

Coordinates with appropriate school, District, and community partners to ensure comprehensive services delivery

Performs record-keeping and internal and external reporting tasks in a timely and objective manner

Increases knowledge in culturally responsive practices and utilize these practices when working with students

Promotes family engagement by providing family collaboration meetings of mental health support and attends Admissions and Release Committee (ARC) meetings when necessary to provide support and documentation for special education students

Confer with teachers and families about the child’s abilities, achievement levels, social/emotional development, and personal needs.

Provide crisis/threat assessment/intervention and therapy services to students

Facilitate staff development to lead systemic responses to behavior and social/emotional needs in the classroom. 

Engage in professional growth activities to maintain professional licensure and update knowledge and skills in mental health services. 

Demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills.

Demonstrate a commitment to professional growth.

Demonstrate punctuality and regular attendance. 

Maintain appropriate professional appearance.

Perform other duties as assigned by Superintendent or designee.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Apply local, state, and federal laws, policies, and regulations to the delivery of school mental health services.

Deliver services consistent with professional standards of practices and code of ethics.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Wide range of physical movement, including bending, squatting, reaching, with the ability to lift, carry, push or pull light weights 

Use of speech, vision, hearing.

Use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations.

Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.

Indoor and outdoor activity.