School Therapist - CARES School - Biloxi, MS

About the Organization

Founded in 1912 as an adoption agency, Canopy Children's Solutions is Mississippi’s most comprehensive nonprofit provider of children’s behavioral health, educational, and social service solutions. Canopy employs a diverse group of mission-driven individuals committed to honoring the voice of Mississippi children and families. Core values include:

• The voice of our children and families always comes first
• Relationships matter and our differences make us stronger
• We take great joy in service to others
• Our families and our communities deserve our very best

Canopy has been recognized as a Great Place to Work® for the fifth consecutive year and is one of only nine companies in Mississippi to earn this certification for 2025–2026. Employees foster a healthy workplace culture built on trust and driven by a shared mission: helping children thrive and empowering families to overcome extraordinary challenges.

About the Role

Provide the clinical support necessary for implementation of the psychotherapeutic service and for quality student care through the establishment of a comprehensive therapeutic relationship with students and families based on the provision of individual, family, and group psychotherapy.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting, standing, walking, reaching, pushing, pulling, grasping, lifting, talking, seeing, hearing, kneeling, stooping, bending, reaching overhead, and climbing stairs as needed
• Repetitive motions
• Physical ability to assist in the physical or therapeutic hold of youth when required, following organization-approved safety protocols
• Frequent standing and walking, occasional sitting, lifting and carrying objects up to 50 pounds
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies and physically assist or support youth and/or staff

Vision requirements: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Environmental conditions: exposure to both inside and outside weather conditions; moderate to loud noise levels.

Responsibilities

Therapeutic Relationship

• Meet new students on the day of admission to School Day Program
• Conduct individual therapy session(s) as specified by IEP/Care Plan
• Conduct family sessions as specified by IEP/Care Plan
• Conduct group therapy sessions as specified by IEP/Care Plan
• Act as a member of the IEP/Care Plan committee with the School District and families, DHS, and other community-based programs and the Cares school
• Assist in the coordination of the Discharge/Aftercare plan with each student

Administrative Support

• Complete initial assessment as specified by IEP/Care Plan, Trauma Screening, Behavioral Health Advance Directive, and Psychosocial Assessment on each student within ten (10) calendar days of the admission date
• Document the results of all therapeutic sessions in the appropriate student chart within 48 hours
• Attend IEP/Care Team meetings and communicate progress/regression and needs of assigned clients to the team
• Consult teachers and support staff regarding behavior plans and progress/regression in the classroom
• Complete IEP/Care Plan review quarterly on all assigned clients
• Complete IEP/Care Plans annually and make quarterly and/or as-needed revisions
• Work with IEP/Care Plan team to coordinate the transition process of each student
• Complete Aftercare Plan prior to each student’s last week of treatment in conjunction with student and family/guardian district
• Complete a Discharge Summary on each student within ten calendar days of discharge
• Perform other duties as assigned

Professional Standards

• Perform monthly chart audits of all assigned students to assure the appropriate and timely completion of all documentation
• Attend weekly supervisory sessions with the principal
• Maintain professional licensure and present proof of licensure renewal
• Participate in staff training and education program as needed

Requirements

• Master’s degree in an applied mental health field
• Minimum of two years of experience in outpatient or residential services
• Mississippi licensure in mental health field required
• Demonstrated competence working with families and youth
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English, and communicate in a therapeutic and professional manner

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package for all eligible full-time employees, including:

• Competitive compensation
• 403b Retirement Plan with match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• PTO/Vacation
• Employee Wellness Program and Counseling Services