About this role
JOB TITLE ASSOCIATE MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST
REPORTS TO DIRECTOR OF MENTAL HEALTH
SALARY SCHEDULE/GRADE CLASSIFIED SALARY (LEVEL 3)
CONTRACTED DAYS UP TO 186 DAYS + UP TO 54 EXTENDED DAYS
EXEMPT STATUS EXEMPT
JOB CLASS CODE 7289
POSITION CLASSIFICATION CLASSIFIED PROFESSIONAL
DATE APPROVED 4/21/2026
QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must have earned a master's degree from a clinical mental health program that leads to licensure as a Qualified Mental Health Provider in the state of KY. Qualified candidates must hold the credential of a Qualified Mental Health Provider at the associate level, with an active supervision contract with the respective licensing board. The clinical supervision contract must be approved by the licensing board prior to employment with Nelson County Schools. The candidate's associate level license must be valid and the candidate must be in good standing with the licensing board to practice in Kentucky.
Natural progression in seeking independent licensure is preferred. Clinical Supervision may be available with Nelson County Schools if there is a clinical supervisor on site. Qualified candidates who are interviewed and offered a position will be required to submit the supervision contract to the Director of Mental Health. Qualified Mental Health Therapists are required to maintain in good standing with the respective licensing board in the state that they practice.
Candidates must maintain all required CEU's and remain in good standing with the licensing board.
Hold a valid Kentucky driver's license.
POSITION SUMMARY
To provide integrated mental health well-being practices and clinical services for students. To create caretaking systems that support healthy mental health development and overall student well-being. To provide evidence-based interventions at the classroom, individual, and group levels. To engage families, coordinate with community partners, and provide training, collaboration and consultation for school leaders.
DISTRICT AND SCHOOL PRIORITY ALIGNMENT
Align actions with district and school values and core priorities. Evaluated based on the efficacy of aligned actions.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities: Under the clinical supervision of a Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling Supervisor the Associate Mental Health Therapist will perform the following duties as assigned:
Under clinical supervision, manage a caseload within the Nelson County Schools District.
Under clinical supervision, provide individual, group, and family therapy sessions as needed to reach goals identified as part of the student's treatment.
Under clinical supervision, perform clinical duties in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
Monitor the student's progress and maintain all clinical documentation following best practices.
Collaborate with school and community resources to provide a wrap around approach to treatment.
Make appropriate and medically necessary referrals.
Consult with health professionals and other behavioral organizations in an effort to guide treatment.
Utilize evidenced based treatment interventions and practices to guide the therapeutic process.
Maintain all necessary documentation for clinical supervision and manage supervision hours required by the licensing board.
Complete all required continuing education units to maintain licensure.
Provide crisis intervention and counseling as needed throughout the district.
Provide evidence based interventions in classroom, group, or individual formats.
Provide social and emotional learning opportunities for students and staff across the district.
Engage in collaborative planning to create prevention and education programs to build resilient students.
Align actions with district and school values and core priorities.
Supports the identification of students at risk of, or showing signs of mental health needs by triaging, assessment, therapeutic support, safeguarding support, as well as developing student support plans.
Collaborates alongside the school's leaders to co-create plans and support for student's who present with mental health needs.
Use a trauma sensitive approach and participate in trauma informed care training, planning, and activities.
Complete other related job duties as assigned in an effort to improve mental health and wellness across the Nelson County School District.
Perform other duties as assigned by Superintendent or designee.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Apply local, state, and federal laws, policies, and regulations to the delivery of school mental health services.
Deliver services consistent with professional standards of practices and code of ethics.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Wide range of physical movement, including bending, squatting, reaching, with the ability to lift, carry, push or pull light weights.
Use of speech, vision, hearing.
Use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations.
Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
Indoor and outdoor activity.