Program Therapist

Program Therapist - Therapeutic Alternative School Connections Day School is seeking a Post-Master's or Post-Doctoral-level therapist for a full-time Fellowship position within our therapeutic day school in Libertyville, IL . This is a unique opportunity to join a multidisciplinary team in a highly supportive and collaborative environment. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits, consistent daytime hours (8:00am-4:00pm), no on-call responsibilities, a school-based calendar, and complimentary organic lunch daily. Therapists receive both individual and group supervision from Licensed Clinical Psychologists, along with additional support from other licensed members of our Supervisory Team. This structure is designed to foster clinical skill development and support progress toward licensure. Connections Day School is a therapeutic alternative school serving students ages 6-18 with special education eligibility related to a wide range of emotional and behavioral needs, including: depression, anxiety, ADHD, and high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. Our program integrates educational, therapeutic, family, and community-based supports to promote both academic success and social-emotional growth. We utilize a strengths-based, nurturing approach within a multidisciplinary therapeutic milieu. In addition to academic programming, students have access to a wide array of services, including: individual, group, and family therapy; crisis support; restorative behavioral supports; occupational therapy, speech therapy, art therapy; substance use counseling; and nursing services. Our team is deeply committed to helping students build the skills necessary to successfully transition back to their hometown schools or move forward into adulthood. This position requires a Master's or Doctoral degree in Clinical, Counseling, or School Psychology, as well as prior experience working with at-risk youth. The fellowship is a 12-month training position beginning on August 4th, 2026 , with potential opportunities for extension or longer-term employment within Connections Day School or the broader Connections Organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide individual, group, and family therapy, as well as crisis intervention and risk assessment Support and actively contribute to the therapeutic milieu Manage IEPs for students on your caseload, including goal development and progress monitoring (there will be thorough training on this if you are unfamiliar with special eduction) Participate in multidisciplinary meetings for the students on your caseload and present treatment summaries and, when needed, social developmental histories Attend weekly supervision and training (1-2 hours individual, 2.5 hours group) Multidisciplinary collaboration with internal teams (e.g., classroom staff, administration, specialty therapists) and external providers (e.g., therapists, psychiatrists, caseworkers) Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation Provide mentorship or supervision to therapy externs, as appropriate based on experience

Benefits & Schedule:

Optional healthcare, dental, vision, and 401(k) benefits Tuition reimbursement opportunities Monday-Friday schedule, 8:00am-4:00pm (from August-May) Modified summer schedule (June-July): Monday-Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm (following a one-week break) No routine evening or on-call requirements (limited to a few scheduled events annually) 16 paid sick days and 2 personal days Paid school breaks (Thanksgiving, Winter, Spring, Summer) and all national holidays Average caseload of 10-12 individual clients and 4-5 groups per week Laptop provided Free daily lunch from Organic Life Free parking Monthly $100.00 stipend for therapeutic materials and student incentives Access to a comprehensive clinical library and therapeutic resources Collaboration with a diverse team of clinical specialists, including: Psychiatrist, Family Therapy Specialist, ASD Specialist, Occupational Therapist, Speech & Language therapist, Art Therapist, Substance Use Specialist, and more Opportunities for animal-assisted therapy with 4 certified therapy dogs Regular team-building and staff appreciation events - both for the clinical team, and the whole CDS staff Please feel free to reach out with questions or for further information on how to apply: Kristen Mittl Pollina, Psy.

D., CCTP

Licensed Psychologist |

Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Clinical Director & Director of Clinical Training She, Her, Hers Connections Day School Address:

1610 South US Highway 45 | Libertyville, IL 60048

Email:

Please see website for email address

Web:

https://www.connectionsdayschool.net/

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Referral program Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person