Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
Philadelphia, PA
Specialized Services – Social Work /
Full-Time 2024-25 School Year /
On-site
Position Summary:
The Cognitive Behavioral (Group) Therapist specializing in trauma therapy with expertise in Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) curriculum. The Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT) will be responsible for conducting group therapy sessions focused on trauma recovery and implementing evidence-based interventions to address cognitive and emotional aspects of trauma. Additionally, the CBT will incorporate CBITS techniques into group sessions to support individuals with trauma symptoms and related conditions. Collaborating with other mental health professionals and providing individual therapy as needed are also key responsibilities.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group sessions for students dealing with various mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, and behavioral issues.
- Utilize evidence-based CBT techniques to address cognitive distortions, modify maladaptive behaviors, and promote positive coping strategies.
- Collaborate with School Staff: Work closely with teachers, counselors, and other school personnel to identify students who could benefit from group therapy interventions.
- Collaborate on treatment plans, share insights into students' progress, and provide support for implementing therapeutic strategies in the classroom environment.
- Offer individual therapy sessions for students who require more intensive intervention or have specific needs that cannot be addressed in group settings.
- Conduct assessments, develop personalized treatment plans, and monitor progress over time. Psychoeducation and Skill Building: Facilitate psychoeducational workshops and skill-building sessions for students, parents, and school staff on topics related to mental health, stress management, emotion regulation, and resilience.
- Provide resources and tools to empower individuals to better manage their mental health and well-being.
- Be available for crisis intervention and support during times of heightened stress or emotional distress within the school community. Offer immediate assistance, assess safety concerns, and coordinate with appropriate resources for ongoing support and follow-up.
- Maintain Documentation, keeping accurate and confidential records of therapy sessions, assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes in compliance with school policies and legal requirements. Ensure that all documentation adheres to professional standards of confidentiality and ethical practice.
- Engage in ongoing training, workshops, and supervision to enhance clinical skills, stay abreast of best practices in CBT and school-based mental health, and fulfill licensure or certification requirements.
- Seek opportunities for professional growth and specialization in areas relevant to school counseling and therapy.
- Serve as an advocate for students' mental health needs within the school community, advocating for supportive environments, resources, and policies that promote emotional wellness and academic success. Collaborate with administrators and stakeholders to implement initiatives aimed at fostering a positive school climate and addressing systemic barriers to mental health care access.
Qualifications:
- Master's or doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or related field. Current licensure or eligibility for licensure as a therapist or counselor
- Specialization or certification in trauma therapy, with demonstrated experience in treating trauma survivors using evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), or Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
- Proficiency in implementing CBITS curriculum, with a strong understanding of trauma and related conditions. Experience facilitating group therapy sessions, preferably in a clinical setting, and familiarity with group dynamics and therapeutic techniques.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish rapport and build trust with clients from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with advancements in trauma therapy and trauma informed practices in schools. Compassionate and empathetic approach to client care, with a genuine desire to support individuals on their journey to healing and recovery.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to physically perform the essential duties of the role as required, and to work in the environmental conditions required, such as: traveling to network campuses; maneuvering in office spaces (including standing, walking, sitting for long periods of time, speaking loudly and clearly, seeing and hearing things both near and far away); stooping, kneeling, reaching file cabinets/shelves; fine finger and hand manipulation in use of computer, chalkboard, dry erase, &/or projectors; filing, faxing, scanning, coping, typing, mailing, and making phone calls; sitting for up to two (2) hours looking at a computer monitor, using a keyboard/mouse, and typing.
Other Requirements:
- Position requires local &/or regional travel to Mastery and other sites. Must have valid driver’s license and vehicle, or access to reliable transportation
