School Based behavioral health liaison therapist (Hohenwald)

Centerstone is among the nation’s leading nonprofit behavioral health systems with thousands of employees dedicated to delivering care that changes people’s lives. A dynamic, well-established organization, we offer rewarding opportunities to serve all ages in a variety of settings.

About the role

As a school-based behavioral health liaison, you will provide face-to-face consultation with classroom teachers to assist them in creating positive, trauma-informed classroom environments. This role enhances the learning environment for children at risk of developing an emotional/behavioral problem or substance use disorder, or with serious emotional disturbance (SED). You will also provide training and education on childhood mental health and trauma-informed behavior responses in the classroom to promote a healthy teaching environment.

Each School-Based Behavioral Health Liaison (SBBHL) will provide psycho-educational groups and other support to youth identified by teachers and/or school officials. The SBBHL program offers liaison support between the family and the school, assisting parents and youth with the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process and trauma-informed support plans when invited.

Responsibilities

• Provide face-to-face consultation with classroom teachers to create positive, trauma-informed classrooms and develop effective, trauma-informed behavior responses for students.
• Deliver at least one face-to-face training per year to school personnel on mental health and substance abuse prevention topics.
• Assist in developing school-wide mental health initiatives and universal prevention strategies.
• Serve as a liaison between the school and the child’s family to build open communication and home-school partnerships, including assisting with the IEP process, alternative school placement, and trauma-informed support plans.
• Provide information and support to school personnel for navigating the local behavioral health system, including accessing mental health and crisis services.
• Maintain logs, tracking documents, or other management tools to track services, reviewed annually by the State.
• Offer support opportunities to students, including individual consultations or interventions to build coping and de-escalation skills, and at least three psychoeducation group activities per year covering:
  • Mental health problems and disorders
  • Risk of substance use/abuse and related disorders
  • Healthy stress management, including mindfulness, coping, and de-escalation strategies
  • Other topics requested by the school
• Address mental health or behavioral issues through individual, group, and/or family therapy services.
• Formulate a diagnosis upon completion of intake assessment and create/update treatment plans according to policy.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation, including treatment plans, progress notes, and reports, to comply with grant and organizational requirements. Bi-annual performance evaluations are required.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree in one of the following fields: Clinical Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a specialization in Mental Health Counseling. License-eligible in the respective discipline is preferred.
• Applicants with a Master’s degree in a related field (outside the disciplines listed above) must meet the following criteria:
  • Completion of at least 24 graduate-level semester hours in psychology, social work, counseling, or other behavioral health-related coursework.
  • Relevant coursework and work experience in:
    • Clinical treatment and treatment planning
    • Appraisal and assessment of mental disorders
    • Psychopathology
    • Use of the DSM for diagnostic purposes within a clinical internship or practicum in a behavioral health setting
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience providing treatment to individuals with mental health disorders; substance use disorders experience is preferred. Internship experience may apply toward the minimum requirement for recent graduates.
• Valid Tennessee Driver’s license required.

Skills

• Proficiency in trauma-informed practices
• Ability to provide strength-based and client-centered care
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to build positive relationships with school staff, students, and families

Physical Requirements

• Standing: 10%
• Sitting: 90%
• Squatting: Occasional
• Kneeling: Occasional
• Bending: Occasional
• Driving: Required
• Lifting: Occasional

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision health coverage
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• 403b retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off and ten paid holidays
• AD&D Insurance, Life Insurance, and Long Term Disability (company paid)
• Employee Resource Groups
• Continuing education opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program

Time Type: Full time