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School Based Therapist (LSW, LPC, LCSW, LMFT) – Macomb, IL

Brightli · Macomb, IL · $61,000–$64,000 a year · Full time

Posted Oct 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

How do you involve parents or guardians in treatment when they are hard to reach?

What they are checking: Persistence and creativity in family engagement, which strongly affects outcomes for students.

How do you coordinate with school counselors, social workers and special education staff without stepping on their roles?

What they are checking: Understanding the difference between school staff roles and a community-based therapist embedded in schools.

Tell me about a time you used supervision to work through a difficult case.

What they are checking: Openness to feedback and growth, especially for a master's level clinician working toward full licensure.

What would you do

You may cover rural districts in McDonough County. How would you manage travel, scheduling and documentation across several schools?

What they are checking: Organization and stamina for a multi-site rural caseload without sacrificing session quality.

A principal wants a summary of what a student has been talking about in therapy. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Holding confidentiality boundaries while still collaborating usefully with school leadership.

A student discloses self-harm during a session on a Friday afternoon. What do you do?

What they are checking: Risk assessment, safety planning, parent notification and escalation following crisis protocols.

What do you do over the summer or school breaks to keep continuity of care for your students?

What they are checking: Planning ahead for gaps in school-based contact so students do not lose progress.

About the work

Walk me through how you would assess and diagnose a student referred for anxiety that is keeping them out of class.

What they are checking: Clinical assessment skill in a school context and arriving at a diagnosis that supports a clear plan.

Which evidence-based treatments do you use with children and adolescents, and how do you fit them into a class period?

What they are checking: Practical delivery of therapy within school schedules, not just naming models like CBT or TF-CBT.

How do you measure whether a student is getting better?

What they are checking: Use of measurable goals or standardized tools to track progress, not just feelings about the session.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Brightli from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Brightli.

Job Description: School Based Therapist (McDonough County) Location: Macomb, Illinois / McDonough County School Districts Department: School Based Services - Illinois Employment Type: Full-Time Shift: Monday - Friday As Centerstone continues to grow and expand school‑based services to meet the mental health needs of students, we are excited to introduce this new School Based Therapist opportunity! 💰 Sign-On / Retention Bonus Available for eligible external candidates (amount varies by licensure and experience ): • Master’s Level: $4,000 • Fully Licensed: $5,000 💰 Additional income opportunity : This position may include a travel stipend when supporting rural school districts while commuting from outside the local community. Eligibility and amount vary based on distance and schedule. Job Summary Are you passionate about supporting students’ mental health and helping them succeed both inside and outside the classroom? Join Centerstone as a School Based Therapist , where you’ll deliver evidence‑based mental health services directly within local school settings. In this role, you’ll assess, diagnose, and treat students while working closely with families, school staff, and community partners. You’ll help students build coping skills, strengthen relationships, and overcome barriers to academic success—while continuing to grow your clinical skills with strong organizational support. This is an excellent opportunity for both early‑career and experienced clinicians seeking meaningful community impact, competitive compensation, and professional development. Competitive Salary Ranges • LSW / LPC (Illinois): $61,000–$64,000 • LCSW / LCPC (Illinois): $68,000–$72,000 ( Based on licensure and experience ) Benefits & Perks • 29 days of PTO • Comprehensive benefits package: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and more • 403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% employer match for part‑time and full‑time employees • Company‑paid basic life insurance • Eligibility for HRSA Loan Repayment ( eligibility requirements apply ) • Emergency Medical Leave Program • Flexible Spending Accounts (healthcare & dependent care) • Health & Wellness Program • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Employee Discount Program • Mileage reimbursement ( when applicable ) Key Responsibilities: • Provide individualized therapy to students during the school day to support emotional, behavioral, and academic needs. • Manage a clinical caseload in alignment with agency guidelines. • Support academic success by delivering prevention and early‑intervention services to reduce barriers to learning. • Develop treatment plans and collaborate with school staff, clinical supervisors, and families to ensure coordinated care. • Respond to crisis situations and provide timely emotional support during emergencies. • Coordinate referrals to internal and external community resources as needed. • Conduct clinical assessments and deliver evidence‑based interventions to students and families. • Serve as a liaison between students, families, and school partners to ensure continuity of care. Education and/or Experience Qualifications: • Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field • Active or provisional Illinois licensure appropriate to scope of practice. • LSW, LPC, LCPC, or LCSW Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Working knowledge of diagnostic criteria for mental health and substance use disorders • Understanding of caseload management, rehabilitation methods, and applicable regulations • Strong written and verbal communication skills • Ability to build rapport with students and families in both in‑person and telehealth settings • Comfortable receiving supervision and following clinical direction • Familiarity with clinical documentation and compliance requirements Illinois Notice As part of our talent review process, we may utilize technology that helps organize applicant information. This includes AI‑assisted tools that support our team by reviewing and sorting resumes in relation to the experience and qualifications connected to each role. These tools assist our recruiters, but all hiring decisions continue to involve human review and judgment. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic. 

 Position Perks & Benefits: Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal life Employee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more Top-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive Career mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from within Welcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happiness 

 Brightli is on a Mission: A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance user care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients. As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we prioritize fostering a culture of belonging and connection within our workforce. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission. If you are passionate about empowering local communities and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization dedicated to cultivating an authentic workplace. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Preferred Family Health Care is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.

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