Job Title:
School-Based Therapist
Company: East Alabama Medical Center
Location: Opelika, AL
Created: 2026-04-19
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
Position Summary: The School-Based Child Therapist provides on-site therapeutic services to students in K-12 settings who are experiencing emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. Working in partnership with school staff, families, and community providers, the therapist delivers trauma-informed, culturally responsive care that promotes emotional regulation, academic engagement, and positive youth development. This position is ideal for a passionate, collaborative clinician who thrives in educational environments and is committed to youth mental wellness. Key Responsibilities: * Provide individual, group, and/or family therapy to students referred for mental health support within the school setting. * Conduct psychosocial assessments and collaborate with students, families, and school personnel to develop individualized treatment plans. * Utilize evidence-based practices tailored to the child's developmental stage and presenting concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, peer conflict). * Work closely with school teams, including counselors, administrators, and teachers, to support coordinated care and promote a positive learning environment. * Participate in school-based meetings (e.g., student support teams, IEP/504 meetings) as appropriate, to advocate for students' mental health needs. * Monitor and document clinical progress and complete all required documentation in a timely and ethical manner. * Provide crisis intervention and support as needed, following established school and agency protocols. * Engage in regular clinical supervision, staff meetings, and professional development. * Maintain strong communication with families, with sensitivity to cultural and linguistic differences, to ensure alignment and support. * Promote a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and inclusive therapeutic environment. * Uphold all agency, state, and federal privacy and documentation regulations, including HIPAA and mandated reporting. * Assist with other clinical duties as assigned. Qualifications: * Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a related field (required). * Current licensure or license eligibility in the state (e.g., LCSW, LMHC, LPC, LMFT, or equivalent). * Experience working with children or adolescents in clinical, school-based, or community mental health settings (preferred). * Knowledge of school systems, youth development, and academic engagement strategies. * Excellent communication, documentation, and relationship-building skills. * Ability to manage a flexible schedule that aligns with the school calendar and student needs. * Comfortable working independently within a school environment while maintaining strong connection to the clinical team. Work Environment & Schedule: * This is an exempt, full-time position. * Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM CST * This position requires in-person work and is not eligible for remote or hybrid work arrangements. * Services are provided in school settings that may vary in physical accessibility. * This role requires periods of walking between classrooms/buildings, sitting for therapy sessions, and use of computers for documentation. * May require occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds. * Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. * Occasional exposure to behavioral escalations or emotionally charged situations may occur; training and clinical support are provided. Transportation Requirements: * Provide transportation for consumers as needed using agency or personal vehicles. * Maintain a safe driving record and valid driver's license with personal liability insurance. * Follow all agency transportation policies, including seatbelt usage, safe cellphone practices, and vehicle documentation. * Immediately report any vehicle issues, accidents, or violations to appropriate personnel. In-Service Training & Continued Education Requirements: * Participate in all required agency in-service and ADMH trainings * Commitment to ongoing professional development to enhance skills and stay informed on best practices in behavioral health. * Completion of onboarding and any continuing education requirements as directed by the agency or supervisor. * Ongoing professional development to maintain best practices and compliance with evolving standards of care.