Aspire Public Schools·Stockton, California
The Mental Health Therapist provides school counseling services including screening, assessment, and individual or group therapy for students in grades TK-12. They also collaborate with families, teachers, and administrators to support student mental health and foster a positive learning environment.
Aspire Public Schools operates a network of high-performing, college preparatory charter schools serving TK-12 scholars in communities across California. Founded in 1998—in an effort to transform the inequitable racial, social, and gender outcomes that our communities persist through—Aspire is one of the largest and most forward-thinking open-enrollment public charter school systems in the nation. Our purpose is to prepare our scholars for success in college, career, and life. At Aspire, we set a foundation for our scholars to gain knowledge, skills, and power to access and make choices for their families and post-secondary lives. Every day, our community of students, families, teachers and staff comes together to learn, work, and play in an environment grounded in our values of Bienestar (Well-Being), Culture of Belonging, Community Partnership, Agency & Self-Determination, and Joy.
GENERAL
SUMMARY: The Mental Health Therapist (Gen Ed) provides a wide range of school counseling services to children grades TK-12, including screening and assessment, individual and group counseling, collaboration with families, participating in the planning and implementation of site-based MTSS interventions, and working with/referral to outside agencies as appropriate. They influence the development of a safe, successful learning environment and positive school culture by partnering with teachers, administrators, school staff, and members of the Regional and Home Office.
Aspire Public Schools prioritizes the professional development and clinical hour collection of Mental Health Therapists 1 as they work towards becoming licensed therapists.
Required knowledge, skills & abilities: Demonstrated commitment to students and learning. Experience with students grades TK-12. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to write clearly and interact effectively with different stakeholders. Excellent organization, time management and follow-up skills; ability to rank and carry out a variety of urgent priorities; demonstrated ability to successfully handle multiple cases concurrently. Ability to work as a part of a team. Possess knowledge of a variety of forms of intervention and prevention models for both individuals and group therapeutic settings (ex: CBT, Play therapy, etc.) Demonstrate ability to adjust to and use new approaches in the performance of their duties. Deal with obstacles and constraints positively and with a solutions-oriented mindset. Minimum educational level: Bachelor’s Degree required Master’s Degree in counseling/social work or related discipline required Mental Health Therapist 1: Registered Associate with BBS (AMFT, ASW, and/or APCC) Mental Health Therapist 2: Clinical Licensure through the BBS Mental Health Therapist 3: Clinical Licensure through the BBS and certification to provide clinical supervision Highly desirable qualifications: PPS credential or eligibility for PPS credential Bilingual - Spanish Supervise trainees/interns (Mental Health Therapist 3 only)
Aspire offers its employees a competitive salary and benefits, including paid time off, 100% core health benefits coverage on select plans, life insurance/long-term disability, participation in a CA state retirement plan, tuition reimbursement plan, and adoption assistance program.
Our salary schedule based on years of experience for this position type is reflected here:
Aspire Public Schools- Mental Health Therapist 1, Pay Schedule
Aspire Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. Aspire promotes affirmative action for minorities, women, disabled persons, and veterans.
#LinkedInEducators
Candidates must hold a Master's degree in counseling, social work, or a related discipline and be a Registered Associate with the BBS (AMFT, ASW, or APCC). Experience working with students in grades TK-12 and strong communication and organizational skills are required.
Market context
Mental Health Therapist I roles in California schools are typically in demand as districts expand student mental health support and behavioral services. These positions are competitive because candidates need a master’s degree, BBS associate registration (AMFT, ASW, or APCC), and experience with TK-12 students, plus strong communication and organization. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit, then confirm licensure status and school-based experience before applying.
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