Therapist - Head Start at Suncoast Center – St. Petersburg, Florida

Position Summary

The Head Start Therapist provides school-based therapeutic and consultative services to young children (ages 0–5) experiencing social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties in their preschool setting. This position collaborates closely with Head Start teachers, administrators, and the on-site mental health team to promote positive behavioral supports, strengthen family engagement, and ensure that children receive individualized, developmentally appropriate mental health services.

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited graduate school with a Master’s degree in clinical social work, clinical psychology, mental health counseling, or related human service field.

Licensure:

• Not required. Registered intern pursuing licensure pursuant to Chapter 491, Florida Statutes as a social worker, mental health counselor, or marriage and family therapist preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of one year direct experience providing therapeutic interventions.
• Experience using evidence-based therapeutic interventions with young children in a school setting preferred.
• Knowledge regarding the effects of violence on children and effective strategies for crisis intervention and prevention.

Other Requirements:

• Must be 21 years of age.

Negative Drug Screening prior to hire and throughout employment.

Clear Criminal Background Check throughout employment with Suncoast Center and local checks prior to hire and annually along with DCF Level II prior to hire and as required by DCF, and Must have valid Florida Driver’s License Motor Vehicle checks prior to hire and annually with acceptable driving record maintained throughout employment along with reliable vehicle, valid registration, and valid vehicle insurance. (must be in compliance with Florida Laws and Administrative Codes with fingerprinting and determined to be of good moral character).

Working Conditions: Must have valid Florida driver's license and a driving record that is acceptable to Suncoast Center; annual checks completed throughout employment, reliable vehicle, valid registration, and must meet minimum levels of personal automobile liability insurance; requires both indoor and outdoor work with outreach to off-site locations. Exposure to extreme heat and humidity during the summer months. Schedule based on Head Start school daily schedule. Work is primarily at Head Start school sites and includes travel between school sites and administrative office.

Job Duties:

• Provide school-based therapeutic services to children ages 0–5 who exhibit social, emotional, or behavioral concerns within the Head Start setting.
• Collaborate with Head Start teachers, administrators, and the on-site mental health team to develop and implement individualized and classroom-level interventions to support children’s success.
• Coordinate services for identified children and provide referrals to community-based resources as appropriate.
• Deliver culturally competent, solution-focused, strength-based, recovery-oriented, and co-occurring capable therapeutic services to program families.
• Review comprehensive assessment data, including the Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3, ASQ:SE) and other developmental tools, prior to formulating treatment goals.
• Attend case reviews, staff meetings, and multidisciplinary team meetings as scheduled by Suncoast Center and Head Start.
• Provide clinical consultation to staff, clients, partner agencies, family court, law enforcement, and other community organizations as needed.
• Participate in Early Childhood Services multidisciplinary staffings when appropriate.
• Track and complete all measurable objectives and performance metrics required by the Juvenile Welfare Board (JWB) and in accordance with agency contracts.
• Assist in preparing quarterly and annual program reports for the Agency and JWB.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely clinical documentation in compliance with agency and regulatory standards.
• Achieve individual performance goals and contribute to program outcomes.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

· Demonstrates teamwork, dignity, and respect for colleagues, clients, and community partners.

· Adheres to equal employment opportunity standards and ethical practices.

· Accepts and responds to supervisory direction in a respectful and productive manner.

· Maintains punctuality, professionalism, and a strong service-oriented attitude.

· Builds and sustains cordial and professional relationships within the organization and with community partners, clients, and vendors.

· Completes required documentation, reports, and data entries consistent with contractual, state, and federal standards in a timely and accurate manner.

· Understands and complies with Suncoast Center, Inc. policies and procedures.

· Provides compassionate and equitable care to all clients in need of behavioral health services.

· Computer literate and able to efficiently use electronic health record (EHR) systems, email, and Microsoft Office applications for documentation and communication.

All positions require a screening through the Clearinghouse. This site was implemented under the directive of House Bill 531 (2025). https://info.flclearinghouse.com/