Job Description

Reporting to the Clinical Manager, the School-Based Family and Child Therapist provide evidence informed therapeutic supports and case management to children/youth, up to the age of 18, and their families. The Therapist addresses a range of issues, including mental health concerns, emotional, behavioural and/or psychiatric symptoms that may be impacting functioning at home, school, socially or in the community. Therapists may work directly with parents to support the strengthening of proactive parenting approaches. The Therapist works in alignment with the Agency's Mission, Vision, Values and Lean Leadership Model.

The School-Based Family and Child Therapist is responsible for the case management of all files on their caseload and is required to perform duties related to the provision of therapy, development of a sound family assessment and clinical impressions, treatment planning, monitor progress, address barriers and work collaboratively with family/caregivers, as well as internal and external multidisciplinary professionals.

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled School-Based Therapist, to provide trauma-focused mental health services to adolescents. The therapist will work directly in a high school setting, offering individual and group therapy to students impacted by trauma. This position requires a deep understanding of trauma-informed care and adolescent development, as well as the ability to collaborate with school personnel and community resources to support students' mental health and academic success. The incumbent will provide School-Based services four days a week, across four schools in the County: Opeongo High School, Arnprior District High School, St. Josephs' High School and Renfrew Collegiate Institute.

In addition, the Therapist will provide office-based services at the Phoenix Centre's Renfrew site one day each week. The Therapist will provide treatment in -person, virtually, and in the community (i.e. school, satellite offices) as required.

This position provides clinical therapeutic services to third tier referrals within the RCDSB and RCCDSB; the successful candidate will be highly skilled in the provision of therapeutic modalities to address trauma and other complex mental health issues.



Key Responsibilities

Provide trauma-informed, tier three therapeutic services to high school students Conduct thorough family and individual assessments, identifying attachment patterns, trauma histories, relational dynamics, and systemic stressors to determine the mental health needs of students and inform treatment Develop clinically sound, individualized treatment plans addressing the complex mental health needs of youth and adolescents Engage in consistent monitoring of client progress, address therapeutic barriers, and coordinate care with internal and external partners Collaborate with school counselors, teachers, and administrators to support student well-being Provide timely crisis intervention and risk assessments as needed Educate school staff on trauma-informed approaches and strategies for supporting students Engage in comprehensive discharge planning and support additional needs through community-based referrals Provide therapeutic services that are grounded in anti-oppressive, inclusive, and culturally responsive frameworks Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance with agency and professional standards Deliver services flexibly in person, virtually, and within community settings (e.g., homes, schools, and satellite offices)

Qualifications:

BSW or MSW degree from an accredited university program in social work and registered member in good standing with Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, or MA or MEd degree from a recognized university program in counselling/psychology/psychotherapy and registered member in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, or a member of one of the regulatory colleges entitled to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy.

Experience:

Minimum 3 to 5 years working in a clinical setting providing mental health therapy, preferably with adolescents and trauma survivors Proven clinical experience applying trauma-informed and attachment-focused approaches in therapy with children, adolescents, and parents/caregivers Deep understanding of child development, family systems, and the impact of adverse childhood experiences Experience working in a school setting or collaborating with educators is preferred

Competencies:

Skilled in facilitating healing relationships through attuned, nonjudgmental, and developmentally sensitive therapeutic interactions Competence in recognizing and addressing intergenerational trauma, dysregulation, and attachment disruptions Capacity to integrate models such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or similar Skilled in the provision of Single-Session, Brief and Solution Focused Modalities Ability to manage crisis situations and conduct suicide/self-harm risk assessments Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with school staff, students, and families.

Skills and Attributes:

Strong clinical formulation, assessment, and intervention planning abilities Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills with clients and colleagues Technologically proficient for virtual care and electronic record-keeping Commitment to professional ethics, confidentiality, and inclusive practice Capacity to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team Sound judgment, emotional intelligence, and professionalism in handling sensitive and confidential situations Proficiency in documentation and case management

Requirements:

Proof of eligibility to work in Canada. A valid Ontario driver's license and use of a reliable motor vehicle Clear Vulnerable Sector Search Successful candidates are required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 The linguistic requirement for this position is English. However, bilingualism French/English, will be considered an asset.

Travel may be required from time to time throughout Renfrew County.



Hours of Work

Permanent full-time (35 hours per week)

This position also includes:

comprehensive health and dental benefits package Group RRSP contribution plan Employee wellness program 4 weeks of paid vacation per year

Phoenix will engage in reasonable workplace accommodation, short of undue hardship, for any successful candidate who has a documented exemption under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

The Phoenix Centre for Children and Families is an equal opportunity employer, and we value the importance of diversity, dignity and worth of every individual in the workplace. Phoenix offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes accommodation.

We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.