School Mental Health Therapist

• Anacostia High School
• Cardozo Education Campus (Middle and High School)

JOIN US AND SUPPORT YOUTH TO LIVE, WORK, AND STUDY WITH DIGNITY, HOPE, AND JOY!

LAYC/MMYC is an organization that makes a difference in our community. We invite you to join our talented staff and become a part of an organization that is known for its commitment to excellence, mission, and respect for youth. We value diversity as a strength, with 85% of our staff identifying as people of color. We prioritize recruiting and supporting staff who have shared life experiences as our youth.

LAYC/MMYC’s mission is to empower a diverse population of youth to achieve a successful transition to adulthood, through multicultural, comprehensive, and innovative programs that address youths' social, academic, and career needs. To achieve that mission, LAYC/MMYC provides services and opportunities to approximately 5,000 individuals annually to support academic achievement, promote healthy behaviors, and guide youth toward successful adulthood. LAYC/MMYC also conducts advocacy and public policy work to broaden opportunities for youth.

LOCATION: Washington, DC

COMPENSATION: $64,000- $72,000 depending on level of licensure.

COMPETITIVE BENEFITS

In addition to a friendly work environment, we are pleased to offer the following benefits to our employees.

• Medical, dental, and vision plans with prescription coverage.
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Voluntary long-term disability and supplemental life insurance
• Matching 401(k) program beginning at hire
• 10 days paid vacation leave per year, increasing to 20 with tenure, 12 days paid sick leave per year, 12 paid holidays per year.
• Eight weeks paid parental leave, including adoption and foster care.
• Health club discounts
• Education Assistance

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborates with the professional educational team (teachers, principals, school counselors, social workers, etc.) at the school, working cooperatively and creatively to meet student needs and remove Mental Health and behavioral barriers to learning.
• Provides education to students and families to reduce stigma related to Mental Health treatment.
• Provides trauma-informed individual and family services to include diagnostic assessment, therapy and case management services to students who require individualized Mental Health treatment.
• Delivers Mental Health services at school or via telehealth when necessary. Occasionally a home visit will be required.
• Provides primary prevention services to school community to create a positive school climate including those focusing on resilience, wellness and effective coping with stress. Prevention services may include services delivered to school staff, parents, as well as the student body.
• Consults and provides training to teachers and other staff to assist them with planning and implementing interventions to remove Mental Health-related barriers to academic performance.
• Delivers early interventions to students who have been identified as having risk factors by facilitating student groups or providing consultation to caregivers and staff.
• Provides continuity of care to students during school vacations and summer break by providing ongoing services to students and families at home, community or at LAYC.
• Provides crisis intervention services to students at school and in the community.
• Documents all services in electronic database within 48 hours.
• Meets weekly with Clinical Supervisor for individual supervision and participates in Group Clinical Supervision.
• Updates clearances and completes training as required by DBH regulations.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field.
• At minimum Graduate-level license in the District of Columbia (LGSW or LGPC).
• At least two years of experience working with youth experiencing Mental Health and/or substance abuse challenges.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of community and local resources.
• Flexible schedule, including occasional evenings for school events.

• Flexible, energetic, positive individual with commitment to youth development in a high quality, respectful environment.
• Complete criminal and child abuse/neglect clearances.
• Ability to work well and communicate with culturally diverse populations.
• LAYC/MMYC requires the COVID-19 vaccine of all its employees. You will be asked to provide proof of vaccination at the time of your interview and at your onboarding.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 10 lbs. May require the ability to travel locally and/or regionally.

LAYC/MMYC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing opportunities without regard to age, race, color, pregnancy, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or status within any other protected group.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume.