School-Based Therapist (VPV)

Company: Build Inc
Location: Chicago
Posted on: February 15, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Description: BUILD, Inc. (Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development) is presently seeking a committed, self-motivated, and innovative individual to join our team. BUILD is a nationally respected gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development organization based on Chicago’s West Side. Since 1969, BUILD has worked to save lives and mentor young people who live in the city’s most challenged neighborhoods. When you work at BUILD you make an important difference to the thousands of youth and families we serve. Our Core Values : Empathy, Passion, Persistence and Innovation. The School-Based Therapist will be dedicated to the Violence Prevention Villages (VPV) project that aims to provide positive, proactive and preventive upstream supports and services to youth Pr ek – 8 and their households. BUILD partners with schools to improve behavioral, social/emotional and school outcomes for students, and we engage the nonprofit ecosystem to support household wellbeing and stability. We follow and support youth and households as long as they are willing, and aim to improve long term well-being, educational attainment and economic stability across generations. The Therapist reports directly to the Manager of Clinical Community Mental Health . The School-Based Therapist is responsible for effectively addressing the mental health needs of youth experiencing trauma through: Provide individual and group counseling for participants who experience community violence, traumatic events, or other mental health disorders. Complete Clinical assessments and diagnose BUILD participants in accordance with diagnostic criteria. Collaborate with the care team and client to create an individualized treatment plan that focuses on achieving SMART goals and improving overall mental health. Establish external mental health/substance abuse referral partners and identify opportunities for more formal collaboration; and Coordinate services with the collaborative care team, including, but not limited to, intervention specialists, mentors, advocates, case managers, school personnel, Etc. Other Job Duties as Assigned Documentation and Compliance Document and report program activities and outcomes and ensure progress toward annual program objectives. Submits statistics and reports to the VPV manager weekly, monthly, and/or as needed. Maintains File Compliance as required and compliance with Apricot database requirements. Professional Development & Support Maintains current knowledge in the field, including but not limited to attending seminars and workshops. Support colleagues in identifying youth mental health needs, providing support, and referring youth to community partners offering more intensive services. Consult with staff and provide in-field support for assigned youth. Maintains current knowledge of the agency’s theories, methodologies, and best practices. Attends departmental and agency-wide staff meetings, as scheduled, and agency-wide events as required. Direct Service Exemplifies the mission, vision, and values of the agency. Receives case assignments, establishes treatment plans, reviews case progress, and determines case closure through the supervisor of the assigned program. Conducts various needs assessments to determine therapeutic treatment goals. Provides mental health services to participants through a short-term therapeutic model. Facilitates group and individual clinical services with students. Makes referrals in accordance with service plans to other organization units and external providers. Facilitate and track external referrals and follow-up. Assists members of the school-based team during crises involving youth. Requirements: Master’s Degree in a related mental health field. Working towards or holding licensure (LCPC/LCSW) is required. Minimum experience of 2 years in working with inner-city youth. Highly organized with excellent interpersonal, verbal, and communication skills. Operate professionally in the field on a flexible time schedule, which includes occasional late evenings and weekends. Possess excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Proficiency with technology (Microsoft Office) and tech integration into daily program operations and evaluation systems. Must possess a solid understanding of data collection and program evaluation. Automobile with insurance and valid driver’s license. Preferred Qualifications: Self-motivated leader with the ability to communicate in a friendly and informative manner with people from a wide variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and lifestyles Handle multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously. Demonstrates good judgment and ability to work independently as a part of a team Clinicians with experience in expressive therapies, including visual arts, dance movement, music, etc. Work effectively with agency staff, board members, funders, donors, and volunteers. Maintain respectful and appropriate relationships with program participants, all levels of agency staff, and various publics of the agency. Demonstrate sensitivity to all ethnic, racial, and economic backgrounds and embrace the agency’s mission, values, and culture. Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. As of October 15, 2021, all BUILD employees are required to submit proof of full vaccination status. Benefits: 401(k) 2% match Medical, Dental and Vision Life Insurance Paid Vacation Wellness Days Flexible Spending Account This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. BUILD, Inc., does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits and training. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically prohibit employment. Rather, BUILD Inc., considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement : External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job specific functions (listed within each job responsibility) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis. This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Keywords: Build Inc, Downers Grove , School-Based Therapist (VPV), Social Services , Chicago, Illinois