School Based Mental Health Therapist – Orchard Place

10/21/2024

Des Moines, IA

As a School Based Therapist, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Iowa kids and their families.  Fulfilling a critical need to support youth and their families; your compassionate care, flexibility and dependability will make all the difference in fulling our mission of building strong futures. Our employees are valued at Orchard Place and we are committed to providing you with a culture of open communication, a collaborative work environment, and opportunities for professional growth and development.

Check out this video to see a day in the life of an Orchard Place Therapist!

$2000 sign-on bonus available!  Base salary of $50,000 for non-independently licensed therapists.

Orchard Place therapists who have received their initial therapy license in the last 5 years or those who are currently in a master’s degree therapy program with one year or less remaining before graduation may qualify for up to $20,000 in student loan forgiveness from Polk County.

Orchard Place values diversity, equity and inclusion, and we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is the key to innovation and excellence; therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process.

As a valued member of the Orchard Place family you will have the ability to:

  • Make a significant impact on and provide valuable input in the overall care and treatment for the children and their families that we serve.
  • Work with a supportive and diverse team to provide the best care to our clients.
  • Receive professional development and training opportunities at no cost to you.  Orchard Place values growth and change, and we are here to support you through your own personal career development.
    • Includes access to paid CEU approved trainings and training in evidence-based models such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and Trust Based Relational Interventions (TBRI)
  • Enjoy a competitive benefits and time off package.  Relocation assistance available.
  • Have your employment at Orchard Place qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).  The PSLF forgives the remaining balance on your federal Direct Loans after you make 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full time for a qualifying public service employer (such as Orchard Place).
  • $50,000 base salary for non-independently licensed therapists and $54,500 base for independently licensed therapists. Salary adjustments made to compensate applicable experience.
  • Earn quarterly bonus for exceeding billable hour goals
  • Supervision towards independent licensure provided at no cost to non-independently licensed therapists.  All staff receive individual supervision and opportunity to join group supervision.
  • Opportunities to work full time year-round or to work school-year position (off in the summers)
  • Experience professional advancement opportunities upon independent licensure:
    • Lead Therapist: Receive additional compensation and growth as you assume additional responsibilities such as delivering educational presentations; participating on committees, task forces or boards at Orchard Place or in the community; mentoring new staff; and organizing team-building and self-care activities.
    • Senior Therapist: Following 3 years of independent licensure, therapists receive additional compensation as you complete the supervisor training course, assist in covering clinical supervision needs, and continue to assume responsibilities of Lead Therapist.

What you will do:

  • Provide individual and family therapy to students directly in the school with emphasis on dealing with trauma
  • Evaluate children, parents, and families; completing comprehensive and mental status exams
  • Evaluate and assess child, youth, and families and develop specific mental health treatment plans
  • Collaborate with school personnel and advocate for client’s needs within the school setting
  • Provide consultation and education to schools about mental health topics
  • Help kids experience success, have hope, and build resiliency in their lives

Sound like a good fit?  A few requirements include:

  • Licensed, or eligible for license, in Iowa as an LMSW, LISW, LMHC or LMFT or temporary licensed as TL-LMHC or TL-LMFT.
  • Experience providing therapeutic services to children, youth, and families
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to function independently
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Criminal, Abuse Registry and Motor Vehicle Record checks completed.