ALEXANDER CITY SCHOOLS
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: School-Based Mental Health Therapist
REPORTS TO: Director, Special Education
SUPERVISES: N/A
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field.
2. Valid and current licensure (e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMFT, LMSW under supervision, or equivalent, as required by state law).
3. School-based experience preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed practices, child development, and evidence-based interventions.
- Knowledge of special education and IEP processes.
- Knowledge of health regulations and ethics related to school-based mental health services including HIPPA and FERPA.
4. Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
JOB GOAL:
The School-Based Mental Health Therapist provides direct mental health services to students, supports the social-emotional development of the school community, and collaborates with staff and families to promote student wellness. This role addresses behavioral and emotional barriers to learning through assessment, counseling, and intervention.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide individual and group counseling for students with social-emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs.
- Conduct risk assessments and provide crisis intervention as needed.
- Collaborate with educators, administrators, and special education teams to develop behavior support plans and promote positive school climate.
- Participate in IEP meetings and contribute to the development of social-emotional goals for students receiving special education services.
- Maintain appropriate documentation, including treatment plans, progress notes, and service logs in accordance with district, state, and federal guidelines.
- Coordinate with families and outside providers to ensure continuity of care.
- Serve as a member of the school’s mental health or Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) team.
- Deliver professional development or consultation to staff on mental health topics as needed.
- Models and maintains high ethical standards.
- Keeps supervisor informed of potential problems or unusual events.
- Communicates effectively with the public, staff members, students, parents, administrators, and other contact persons using tact and good judgment.
Performs other tasks consistent with the goals and objectives of this position.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
N/A
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the system's approved compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the system.
EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated a minimum of once each year.
It is the policy of the Alexander City Board of Education that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, sex, religion, creed, nationality, origin, or age be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under program, activity, or employment.
