School Based Mental Health Youth Therapist

Position Summary

Envision your future with InspireKids, where you'll join a family-oriented team making a meaningful impact on children's lives every day

We are hiring a School Based Therapist to work one-on-one with behaviorally challenged children (ages 4–12) in our center and schools.

Who are we: InspireKids is a Pediatric Behavioral Health organization in Cleveland, Ohio. We welcome children aged 4 to 12 who encounter difficulties such as irregular behaviors, motor skills challenges, and limited communication, leading to frustration. We offer Day Treatment and After-School IOP programs in our state-of-the-art Mental and Behavioral Health center, along with community-based services to ensure comprehensive care.

Our Therapist at InspireKids provides direct clinical services to patients through individual, group, and family therapy using evidence-based treatment modalities. Works collaboratively with the treatment team to develop and implement individualized treatment plans that support patient recovery, emotional well-being, and long-term success. When you join us, you'll play a vital role in supporting children's mental health and well-being every day, facing the challenges and celebrating the successes that come with this important responsibility. But you'll never be alone. You'll be part of a community of dedicated and passionate individuals who share your commitment to helping kids reach their highest potential.

Our staff brings warmth, patience, and understanding to the clinic every day, encouraging children to grow. They inspire children to be lifelong learners using our behavioral therapies that promote social, physical, verbal, and cognitive development. Our staff are committed to making their center successful and know that creating meaningful relationships with children and families, and their team, plays a crucial role in that success.

Requirements:

Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Therapy & Patient Care

• Provide individual, group, and family therapy using evidence-based practices tailored to children ages 4-12.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments, including biopsychosocial evaluations, CANS assessments, risk assessments, and treatment planning.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
• Utilize play therapy, trauma-informed care, and other age-appropriate interventions to support emotional and behavioral development.
• Engage parents and caregivers in treatment planning, psychoeducation, and behavioral strategies for home support.
• Provide in-home therapy services for children and families as part of programming, ensuring a seamless transition between home and clinic-based care.
• Facilitate social-emotional skill-building groups, behavioral interventions, and structured activities within treatment settings.
• Monitor patient progress, adjust treatment interventions as needed, and ensure continuity of care.

Crisis Intervention & Safety

• Assess and respond to crisis situations, providing de-escalation, safety planning, and risk management as needed.
• Collaborate with the treatment team to implement behavior management strategies and support positive coping skills.
• Coordinate with case managers and external agencies when higher levels of care or emergency interventions are required.
• Ensure compliance with facility policies related to child safety, mandated reporting, and crisis response.

Collaboration & Teamwork

• Work closely with psychiatrists, medical providers, case managers, and behavioral health technicians to ensure comprehensive care.
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, case consultations, and clinical supervision.
• Maintain open communication with schools, pediatricians, social services, and other external providers involved in a child's care.
• Provide training and support to caregivers, teachers, and support staff on managing behavioral and emotional challenges.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation, including treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
• Ensure adherence to all ethical and legal guidelines, including HIPAA, confidentiality, and child welfare regulations.
• Stay current on best practices in pediatric mental health treatment and participate in ongoing professional development.
• Follow workplace violence prevention and drug-free workplace policies.

Program Development & Quality Improvement

• Contribute to the development and enhancement of PHP/IOP programming for children.
• Assist in evaluating treatment outcomes and recommending improvements to therapeutic interventions.
• Participate in outreach, education, and advocacy efforts to support early childhood mental health initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support patient care and facility operations.

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with the minimum degree required relevant to licensure.

Experience: A minimum of 2 years of mental health experience.

Licensure: Candidates must hold or be eligible for licensure under supervision in one of the following: LPC, LPCC, LSW, LISW, MFT, IMFT, CT, SWT, MFTT, or a similar credential.

Job Qualifications

• A love for children and a strong desire to make a difference every day.
• Ability to build relationships with families and coworkers and create a dynamic environment where play and learning happen.
• Must be self-motivated and driven to help.
• Proven experience working with children, youth, and families.
• Excellent leadership, written and oral communication skills.
• Outstanding customer service skills, strong organizational skills, and the ability to multi-task and manage multiple situations effectively.
• Creativity and initiative needed to develop new program ideas in response to needs.
• Proficient computer skills including EHR, CRM, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to speak, read, and write English & Spanish (Preferred).
• Current driver's license and car

Clinical Competencies

• Clinical Knowledge & Therapeutic Skills – Proficiency in child-centered, evidence-based interventions such as play therapy, CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care, and behavioral therapy.
• Assessment & Treatment Planning – Ability to conduct biopsychosocial assessments, risk evaluations, and develop individualized treatment plans based on patient needs.
• Crisis Intervention & De-Escalation – Skills in identifying crisis situations, implementing safety plans, and utilizing age-appropriate de-escalation techniques.
• Communication & Collaboration – Strong verbal and written communication skills for engaging with children, caregivers, interdisciplinary team members, and external providers.
• Family Engagement & Psychoeducation – Ability to educate, coach, and collaborate with families to support the child's treatment and behavior management at home.
• Trauma-Informed & Developmentally Appropriate Care – Understanding of childhood trauma, neurodevelopmental disorders, and appropriate interventions for young children.
• Cultural Competency & Sensitivity – Ability to provide inclusive, equitable care to diverse families while recognizing the impact of culture and social determinants on mental health.
• Time Management & Organization – Capable of balancing caseload responsibilities, timely documentation, and therapy session coordination.
• Regulatory Compliance & Ethical Practice – Knowledge of HIPAA, child welfare reporting, Medicaid documentation standards, and professional ethics.
• Supervision & Professional Development – Willingness to engage in clinical supervision, continuous learning, and adherence to evidence-based best practices.
• Workplace Violence Prevention – Awareness of strategies to prevent, identify, and respond to workplace violence incidents.
• Drug-Free Workplace Policies – Commitment to maintaining a substance-free environment in compliance with organizational and legal requirements.

Compensation and Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Parental Leave
• Professional Development Assistance
• Referral Program

Schedule: Monday to Friday

Work Location: In Person

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references through the hiring portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive workplace, InspireKids requires all applicants to complete a pre-employment screening process upon receiving an offer of employment.

We cover the cost of fingerprint background checks and drug screenings, which are required after an employment offer is made. Please note that all employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of these pre-employment screenings.

Equal Opportunity Employer: InspireKids is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.