Job Description

Mental Health Therapist – Youth Behavioral Health

Location: Ocala, Florida - Ocala Youth Academy
Department: Clinical Services
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay: $55,000 - $60,000

About Youth Opportunity & Ocala Youth Academy

Ocala Youth Academy serves up to 72 adolescent males ages 15–18 across Mental Health and Substance Abuse overlay services. Youth engage in evidence‑based interventions including Moral Recognition Therapy, Seven Challenges, and Impact of Crime, with individual, group and family counseling, victim impact awareness, restorative justice, life skills training, and education via Florida Scholars Academy. Onsite medical and psychiatric care, dietitian‑managed meals, and youth advisory-driven programming support a trauma‑informed treatment model. Length of stay depends on individualized risk reduction and treatment outcomes

– Mental Health Therapist Job in Ocala, FL

We are hiring a Mental Health Therapist to join our clinical team in Ocala, Florida. This role is ideal for a therapist passionate about working in youth behavioral health, juvenile care, or residential treatment. You’ll be responsible for providing direct clinical care, supporting mental health needs, and helping stabilize youth during their treatment process.

Mental Health Therapist Job Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with up to 4% employer match with Immediate Vesting
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays – Earn 4 hours of PTO every pay period
• Free RX delivery on most medications
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development
• Robust Employee Assistance Program
• Supportive, mission-driven work environment

Why Join Youth Opportunity?

• Be part of a team making a difference in the lives of vulnerable youth
• Gain experience in a growing field of youth mental health and residential care
• Work in a secure, structured, and supportive treatment environment
• Develop your skills through training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities

Mental Health Therapist Responsibilities

• Coordinate the implementation of individualized mental health and substance abuse treatment plans
• Provide ongoing evaluation, assessment, and counseling to youth and families under clinical supervision
• Facilitate individual, group, and family therapy
• Document treatment progress through weekly notes, treatment plans, reviews, and aftercare planning
• Develop discharge and aftercare plans for youth
• Assess family dynamics and implement intervention strategies as appropriate
• Collaborate with leadership to support compliance and performance improvement initiatives

Other Duties Include

• Participate in daily activities and routines with youth and direct care staff
• Maintain a high standard of role model behavior for youth
• Complete required training and professional development activities
• Report incidents or conditions suggesting inappropriate conduct or safety concerns
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, rehabilitation, special education, or a related human services field
• Two years’ experience working with children with serious emotional disturbances or substance abuse concerns preferred (experience preferred but not required with a qualifying degree)
• Ability to pass background check and drug screen

Preferred Experience

• Group therapy facilitation techniques
• Strong clinical judgment and organizational skills
• Experience working with youth in residential or challenging settings

Physical Demands

• Must be in good physical health and emotionally stable. Must be able to actively engage with youth, transport clients, and participate in physical interventions if needed. Free of communicable diseases as defined by the state. Must pass evaluation of physical techniques and written certification exam.

Other Requirements

• Valid state driver’s license
• Must meet state criminal background check requirements
• Flexibility to work irregular hours as needed

How to Apply

Click “Apply Now” through Indeed to submit your application. Or visit http://www.youthopportunity.com/yourfuture to learn more about our mission and career opportunities.

Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.