Mental Health Therapist

Starting Salary : $53,000 - $75,000 / year based on experience

Environment : Special Education Program, Grades K-12

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education , a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a Mental Health Therapist to join our award-winning Special Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction!

If you excel in a student-centered, collaborative, and data-informed environment, are passionate about supporting students with special needs, and bring resilience, empathy, and a solutions-focused mindset — We Should Talk!

As a Mental Health Therapist , you will play a vital role in supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional success. Through individual and group counseling, as well as close collaboration with educators, families, and community partners, you will help create a safe, supportive learning environment that strengthens connections between home and school.

‖ Responsibilities Include :

Providing individual and group counseling sessions to address interpersonal, social, emotional, or family challenges impacting school performance, including crisis intervention when necessary.

Conducting comprehensive interviews with students, families, and school personnel to assess social, emotional, and behavioral adjustment to school and community life.

Maintaining consistent communication with parents / guardians by informing them of student progress, challenges, and any home-life changes that may influence academic performance.

Developing and updating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and Positive Behavior Intervention Plans (PBIPs) in compliance with company, school, state, and federal guidelines.

Attending and actively participating in IEP team meetings, facilitating when required by the district, and engaging in other team meetings to address student or parent concerns.

Collaborating with educators, school staff, and social service agencies to design and implement appropriate support services for students and families.

Providing case management for students, including coordinating parent meetings, facilitating emergency transportation requests, supporting disciplinary processes, and liaising with outside therapists.

Partnering with teachers, parents / guardians, district personnel, and service providers to identify solutions to academic and behavioral challenges, while building strong relationships and promoting a positive organizational image.

Ensuring consistent use of positive teaching strategies by conducting monthly classroom climate observations and monitoring the implementation of IEP and PBIP goals.

Guiding and consulting with teachers on classroom scheduling, data system management, and student transition planning to ensure alignment with IEP and program goals.

Assessing student progress through ongoing review of data collection systems, and training staff to apply results-driven interventions that address evolving student needs.

Modeling best practices for student engagement, effective communication, and problem-solving with staff—reinforcing a data-driven, behavior-analytic, and collaborative approach to maximize outcomes for students and colleagues.

‖ Qualifications Required :

Master’s degree or higher in educational counseling, therapy, social work or a closely related field of study.

Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a licensed clinical counselor (LPC) credential.

Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a special education credential preferred.

Prior experience and / or knowledge in special education services and compliance, particularly for students with severe learning disabilities, emotional disturbance and / or behavioral disorders.

Prior experience and / or highly knowledgeable in providing mental health support to children, preferably in an education and / or behavioral health program setting.

Well-versed in applied behavior analysis (ABA) including functional behavior analysis (FBA), positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) and behavior intervention plans (BIP's).

Proven success in developing and implementing effective treatment plans for students with diverse needs at various levels.

Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.

Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions.

Highly skilled in building relationships with students, parents, teachers and community and / or district partners.

Advanced oral and written communication, instruction, curriculum, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision making ability.

Well-versed in the use of relevant technology including experience with computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education is the nation’s leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. For more than 50 years, and in partnership with over 235 school districts nationwide, we have helped change the direction of more than 240,000 student lives !

Learn more about our history, our mission and the program services we provide by visiting the link below :

https : / / bit.ly / m / WorkWithPurpose

At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you'll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment! Y our path to a truly rewarding career starts here – where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is a Chance to transform lives through education!

‖ Perks and Benefits Include :

Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans

FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions

FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24 / 7 Nurse Line

Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance

Company Paid Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts

Personal Protection Insurance Plans

Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program

Legal Services Insurance

Pet Health Insurance

Accrual-based Paid Time Off

School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule

Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy

401k Retirement Saving Plan

Perks at Work Employee Discount Program

Opportunities for Growth & Development

And So Much More!

If you're ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future — This Is Your Chance !

Join us and together, we can empower students to overcome challenges, build confidence and unlock their full potential!

Careers, With ChanceLight Work. With Purpose.

Copyright © 2025 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a ChanceLight® company

• Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status.

Education Required Masters or better in Educational Counseling or related field

Licenses & Certifications Required Active or In Process

Counselor - LPC

Skills Preferred Special Education

Elementary Education

Middle School Education

High School Education

Counseling & Guidance

Teacher Mentoring / Training

Student Affairs

Parent Counseling & Train

Individualized Education Programs (IEP)

Behavior Intervention Plans - BIP

Positive Behavior Intervention and Support

Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Emotional Disturbance

Behavioral Disorders

Learning Disabilities

Performance Motivation

Crisis Intervention

Student Coaching / Mentorship

Record Keeping & Reporting

Decision Making

Conflict Resolution

Attention to Detail

Communication

Interdepartmental Collaboration

Interpersonal Skills

Computer Skills

Behaviors Preferred Dedicated : Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Functional Expert : Considered a thought leader on a subject

Motivations Preferred Ability to Make an Impact : Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.