Therapist - High School Based

Job Duties

• Provides individual, group and family counseling services for students referred by school personnel at Lealman Innovation Academy.
• Supports the overall mission of the agency on a countywide basis.
• Encourages the increase of social support and the use of natural support systems for individual and families served.
• Responds to parent or teacher concerns and assists in solutions.
• Develops opportunities for parent education and training, as well as, creating activities to increase parental engagement.
• Assists with the needs of students, parents, family, and school personnel.
• Provides therapeutic services that are culturally competent, strength based, and Solution Focused.
• Engages in classroom presentations and outreach activities to market available services in the school.
• Trains school based personnel on working with parents and the community.
• Interacts with the community to educate and stimulate awareness.
• Advocates for and assists parents with navigating through the Pinellas County School system, as well as, mental health provider resources in the community.
• Maintains program objectives and completes all required documentation in a timely manner.
• Reports all risks to supervisor and ensures that risk notes and safety plans are completed as appropriate.
• Participates fully in supervision with program manager; reviews treatment techniques, case progress, and job performance.
• Maintains productivity standards and contract requirements as set by the agency.
• Remains current in the general knowledge of psychotropic medications, side-effects, and DSM-V diagnostic criteria.
• Asks individual, family, and manager when medical services are appropriate.
• Promotes, establishes, and maintains positive collaborative relationships with each student's family who are receiving services.
• Uses the resources of the community to support the achievement of program goals.
• Provides ongoing assessments of the student's development and communicates progress to the family.
• Affirms individual goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree required in social work, mental health, family therapy or closely related field.
• Licensure: Not required.
• Experience: Must be able to assist families struggling with multiple stressors. Understanding of the special problems and treatment of consumers with mental health illness and child welfare issues is essential. Understanding of community resources and social support development is required.
• Other: Clear understanding of applicable policies of Pinellas County School system.

Additional Requirements

• Must be 21 years of age.
• Negative Drug Screening prior to hire and throughout employment.
• Criminal Background Check throughout employment with Suncoast Center and local checks prior to hire and annually along with DCF Level II prior to hire and as required by DCF.
• Valid Florida Driver’s License Motor Vehicle checks prior to hire and annually with acceptable driving record maintained throughout employment along with reliable vehicle, valid registration, and valid vehicle insurance.
• Must have valid Florida driver's license and a driving record that is acceptable to Suncoast Center, Inc.
• Must meet minimum levels of personal automobile liability insurance.
• Computer Literate.

Working Conditions

• Requires both indoor and outdoor work with outreach to off-site locations.
• Exposure to extreme heat and humidity during the summer months.
• Schedule may be irregular, based on client availability.
• Work is in school setting and could be off site in client/family homes and/or community locations.
• Computer Literate.

Benefits & Perks

• Health & Wellness Medical, dental, and vision insurance with 0 copy for Teledoc Appointments
• EAP
• Company Paid Basic Life, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, and Long term Disability
• Options to secure additional Life/AD&D as well as short term disability
• Work-Life Balance Paid time off + 10 company paid holidays
• Growth & Development Professional development options through our Learning Management System and live trainings
• All positions require a screening through the Clearinghouse. This site was implemented under the directive of House Bill 531 (2025).