Provide individual and group counseling to students in a special education setting to support their academic and emotional success. Collaborate with educators and families to develop IEPs and PBIPs while monitoring student progress through data-driven interventions.
Requirements summary
Requires a Master's degree in counseling, therapy, or social work and a relevant professional license (e.g., LMFT, LCSW). Candidates should have experience in special education, ABA methodologies, and the ability to manage crises in a school environment.
ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education [https://careers.chancelight.com/chancelight-corporate/], a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a School-based 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.
Benefits
Dental Insurance
Disability Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Life Insurance
Paid Time Off
Vision Insurance
Medical Insurance
Health Savings Account
Flexible Spending Account
Employee Discount Program
Growth and Development Opportunities
Paid Holiday Schedule
401k Retirement Saving Plan
Health Advocacy Services
Legal Services Insurance
Pet Health Insurance
Nurse Line
Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
Cigna Healthy Pregnancies Healthy Babies Program
Personal Protection Insurance
Personal and Life Event Paid Leave
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 one or more of the following credentials:
Lmft | lmhc | lpc | lcsw | ssw
Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an AR state special education credential highly preferred.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
Prior experience and/or knowledge in special education services and compliance, particularly for students with learning disabilities, emotional behavioral disorders and/or other related disabilities.
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 assessment (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 [https://chancelight.com] 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: >
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! Your 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!
Arkansas school-based therapy roles stay in demand
In Arkansas, school-based mental health therapist roles are typically driven by ongoing need for student support, especially in settings that require collaboration with special education teams and crisis response. These positions are competitive because employers often look for a master’s degree, an active license such as LMFT or LCSW, and experience with special education, ABA methods, and school-based de-escalation. Review the posting closely for licensure fit and note that the requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original job description, which can save you research time.
