Campus Programs Therapist

D A Blodgett-St Johns•Grand Rapids, MI

3d•$53,827 - $56,817•Hybrid

About The Position

The Therapist provides comprehensive, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive mental health services to youth and their families within a residential setting and in DABSJ’s Independent Living Program. Grounded in a strengths-based and relationship-centered approach, this role supports individuals with diverse emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs while promoting resilience, stability, and overall well-being. Therapists deliver a continuum of care which may include assessment, diagnosis, individual, family, and group therapy, and case coordination. Services are tailored to meet the unique needs, identities, and lived experiences of each youth and their family, incorporating evidence-based practices and developmentally appropriate interventions. This role emphasizes strong partnerships with caregivers, residential treatment staff, probation officers, courts and other community systems to ensure coordinated and holistic care. Therapists work collaboratively across disciplines to reduce barriers to access, advocate for equitable outcomes, and support youth and families towards the youth being returned to the family’s care. Therapists are committed to advancing equity and practicing anti-racism by recognizing and addressing systemic disparities impacting youth and families. Services are delivered with cultural humility and inclusivity, ensuring all individuals—regardless of race, ethnicity, language, socioeconomic status, ability, gender identity, or family structure—feel valued, respected, and supported. The Therapist utilizes a trauma-informed framework prioritizing safety, trust, collaboration and empowerment, recognizing the widespread impact of trauma on development and functioning. Therapists maintain timely documentation, meets productivity and program expectations, participates in supervision and professional development, and upholds ethical and regulatory standards. The role requires flexibility, strong clinical judgment, and the ability to engage effectively with diverse populations in dynamic environments. This role also requires the therapist to be part of the Campus Programs Restraint Authorization group, in which the therapist will learn about the impact of restrictive interventions and how to best support youth to avoid staff going hands on. Should a restraint be needed to ensure safety, the therapist will authorize restraints when it is clinically appropriate to do so.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work or Counseling.
Licensed to practice therapy in the state of Michigan (preferred) or actively working towards licensure.
Must possess a strong knowledge of the common diagnoses and treatments for youth and possess the skills necessary to facilitate positive change.
The ability to provide effective individual, family, and group therapy skills, possess a strong knowledge of community resources and support for youth and the skills necessary to facilitate and encourage positive change.
Valid driver's license, good driving record and adequate insurance.
Must possess a strong knowledge of clinical issues related to systems involved youth and their families.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in the foster care and/or juvenile justice system preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive mental health services to youth and families, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and therapeutic intervention
Deliver individual, family, and/or group therapy using evidence-based and developmentally appropriate practices.
Conduct intake assessments, ongoing evaluations, and crisis intervention while prioritizing youth safety and stability.
Utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities tailored to the strengths, identities, and needs of each child and family.
Collaborate with families, schools, probation/foster care workers and community partners to coordinate care and support positive outcomes.
Advocate for equitable access to services and resources, addressing barriers impacting youth and families.
Participate in case-related meetings, interdisciplinary teams, and organization activities.
Engage families as partners in treatment through education, coaching, and strengths-based support.
Provide services in flexible manner for youth and to increase accessibility and engagement.
Participate in supervision, team meetings, and ongoing professional development, including required training hours (minimum of 25 hours).
Adhere to professional ethical standards and agency policies.
Support agency initiatives, committees, and cross-functional collaboration efforts.
Complete documentation according to both DABSJ and Network 180 standards for outpatient billing, when appropriate.
Complete all required documentation in MISACWIS for Juvenile Justice youth and/or other agency clinical record keeping systems for other youth assigned.