Mental Health Therapist

About the role

Ocala Youth Academy serves up to 72 adolescent males ages 15–18 across Mental Health and Substance Abuse overlay services. Youth engage in evidence-based interventions including Moral Recognition Therapy, Seven Challenges, and Impact of Crime, with individual, group and family counseling, victim impact awareness, restorative justice, life skills training, and education via Florida Scholars Academy. Onsite medical and psychiatric care, dietitian-managed meals, and youth advisory-driven programming support a trauma-informed treatment model. Length of stay depends on individualized risk reduction and treatment outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the implementation of individualized mental health and substance abuse treatment plans
• Provide ongoing evaluation, assessment, and counseling to youth and families under clinical supervision
• Facilitate individual, group, and family therapy
• Document treatment progress through weekly notes, treatment plans, reviews, and aftercare planning
• Develop discharge and aftercare plans for youth
• Absess family dynamics and implement intervention strategies as appropriate
• Collaborate with leadership to support compliance and performance improvement initiatives
• Participate in daily activities and routines with youth and direct care staff
• Maintain a high standard of role model behavior for youth
• Complete required training and professional development activities
• Report incidents or conditions suggesting inappropriate conduct or safety concerns
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Master’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, rehabilitation, special education, or a related human services field
• Two years’ experience working with children with serious emotional disturbances or substance abuse concerns preferred (experience preferred but not required with a qualifying degree)
• Ability to pass background check and drug screen

Qualifications

• Preferred Experience: Group therapy facilitation techniques, Strong clinical judgment and organizational skills, Experience working with youth in residential or challenging settings

Skills

• Physical Demands: Must be in good physical health and emotionally stable, Must be able to actively engage with youth, transport clients, and participate in physical interventions if needed, Free of communicable diseases as defined by the state, Must pass evaluation of physical techniques and written certification exam

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with up to 4% employer match with Immediate Vesting
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays – Earn 4 hours of PTO every pay period
• Free RX delivery on most medications
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development
• Roy Supportive, mission-driven work environment