School Based Counselor

Job Summary: Pecan Valley was selected as a rural partner with Texas HHSC in their grant application to continue expanding the Texas System of Care (TxSOC). The overall goal of the grant is to develop a system of care in our local service area and expand overall access to care. The School-Based Therapist (SBT) will provide services from local school districts. Services will initially be provided in ISDs within Parker County, to be expanded as needed in the future. The SBT will provide intake diagnostic evaluations and individual or group therapy sessions to help address student mental health needs. The SBT will coordinate with youth, family members, school personnel, and other school or community providers to achieve youth and family-driven treatment goals. The SBT collaborates closely with the TxSOC team members, school leaders, and agency leaders to ensure effective coordination of services and strong community collaboration. Must be familiar with and/or willing to be trained in trauma-informed care. This includes understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma.

This is a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) System of Care grant funded position that is scheduled to end August 30, 2025.

Essential Functions: Participates on school mental health teams to contribute to the enhancement of the school mental health system and facilitate integration between LMHA and school. SBT will assist with screening, triage, and engagement of students following referral to mental health services. Evaluates and assesses mental health functioning and diagnosis of mental health conditions. Utilizes tools to track individual strengths, needs, and functioning. Provides individual and/or group counseling services using evidence-based models or approaches. Provides consultation and education to schools about mental health topics. Provides outreach and psychoeducation within the school and community on children’s mental health and available resources. Completes required assessments, recovery plans, concurrent and collaborative documentation, and any other required documentation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Familiar with applicable rules governing the provision of mental health and substance abuse services in an outpatient setting. Proficient in the use of modern computing software, including an electronic health record (EHR). Must be comfortable leading groups and coordinating meetings with stakeholders. SBT will need to adapt well to change and be highly intrinsically motivated. SBT will work both in and out of an office, will be knowledgeable about resources in the community, will talk to new people without formal introductions, and must be highly organized. May complete other duties as assigned by supervisor in accordance with grant functions.

Education and Experience: Master’s Degree in a counseling or related field required. Licensure as a LPC, LMFT, or LCSW highly preferred. Will consider applicants with LPC-A, LMFT-A, or LMSW under clinical supervision. Must be able to pass criminal and child abuse background checks.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, squat, lift 25 pounds, sit for an extended period (including driving within the region), walk for an extended period, and reach overhead. Must have a valid Texas driver’s license, good driving record for the past 3 years, and have liability insurance as required by the state of Texas.