Campus Programs Therapist

D A Blodgett-St Johns•Grand Rapids, MI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

D.A. Blodgett - St. John's is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening children and families through a comprehensive continuum of care, including counseling, family preservation, foster care, adoption, and residential treatment. The organization's mission is to help children and empower families by providing safety, advocacy, and support, with a vision of a safe, nurturing home for every child and a supportive community for every family. D.A. Blodgett - St. John's is committed to creating brighter futures through prevention, intervention, and lifelong support, serving children, youth, and families in the greater Grand Rapids area and across Michigan. The organization values exceptional service, equity, diversity, inclusion, excellence, integrity, creativity, and passion. They are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment where all individuals are valued, supported, and empowered. The Campus Programs 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. This role supports individuals with diverse emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs while promoting resilience, stability, and overall well-being, using a strengths-based and relationship-centered approach. Services include assessment, diagnosis, individual, family, and group therapy, and case coordination, tailored to meet the unique needs, identities, and lived experiences of each youth and their family. The role emphasizes strong partnerships with caregivers, residential treatment staff, probation officers, courts, and other community systems to ensure coordinated and holistic care. Therapists are committed to advancing equity and practicing anti-racism, recognizing and addressing systemic disparities. Services are delivered with cultural humility and inclusivity, ensuring all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. The Therapist utilizes a trauma-informed framework prioritizing safety, trust, collaboration, and empowerment. The role requires maintaining timely documentation, meeting productivity and program expectations, participating in supervision and professional development, and upholding ethical and regulatory standards. Flexibility, strong clinical judgment, and the ability to engage effectively with diverse populations in dynamic environments are essential. The therapist will also be part of the Campus Programs Restraint Authorization group, learning about restrictive interventions and authorizing restraints when clinically appropriate.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work or Counseling.
Licensed to practice therapy in the state of Michigan (preferred) or actively working towards licensure.
Strong knowledge of the common diagnoses and treatments for youth and skills necessary to facilitate positive change.
Ability to provide effective individual, family, and group therapy skills.
Strong knowledge of community resources and support for youth.
Skills necessary to facilitate and encourage positive change.
Valid driver's license, good driving record and adequate insurance.
Experience working in the foster care and/or juvenile justice system preferred.
Strong knowledge of clinical issues related to systems involved youth and their families.
Ability to maintain composure and use healthy coping strategies when exposed to stress, while promoting a supportive environment that reduces unnecessary pressure and encourages collective problem-solving.
Ability to express and receive ideas clearly and respectfully using inclusive, accessible, and culturally aware communication methods; demonstrating active listening and adapting communication for diverse audiences and group sizes.
Ability to set priorities and allocate resources equitably, using inclusive planning methods to effectively achieve responsibilities and objectives while accommodating diverse work styles and needs.
Ability to adhere to organizational policies and procedures consistently and equitably, acting in a fair, transparent, and just manner while maintaining confidentiality and respecting individual dignity.
Ability to be dependable, trustworthy, and committed to high-quality work by meeting expectations consistently while communicating proactively and honoring diverse needs and circumstances.
Ability to adjust to changing work environments, priorities, or organizational needs with openness and flexibility, while supporting others through change and considering the varied impacts on individuals.
Ability to select and commit to an effective and equitable course of action by understanding issues, comparing solutions transparently, considering impacts on all stakeholders, and drawing fair and informed conclusions.
Ability to recognize, respect, and adapt to cultural differences, promote equity and inclusion in all aspects of care.
Frequent ability to move between office, community locations, homes, schools, and court settings; includes walking, standing, sitting for extended periods, and navigating varied environments.
Occasional lifting or carrying of items such as case files, required technology, or supplies (typically 10–25 lbs), and assisting children with basic physical support when appropriate.
Frequent use of computers, mobile devices, and case management systems; ability to complete documentation in a timely manner across varied environments.
Regular clear verbal and written respectful communication in diverse environments; ability to hear and respond to children, caregivers, and colleagues; ability to observe nonverbal cues and environmental safety indicators.
Regular travel using a personal vehicle; ability to safely transport children and travel in varying weather and traffic conditions when appropriate.
Maintain a valid driver's license to meet agency driving eligibility requirements, including an acceptable driving record.
Frequent exposure to sensitive, traumatic, or emotionally charged situations involving children and families; ability to maintain professionalism and emotional regulation.
Occasional ability to recognize safety risks, de-escalate situations, follow safety protocols, and respond appropriately during emergencies or high stress interactions.
Occasional entering diverse home environments that may include clutter, pets, smoke, allergens, or unpredictable conditions.
Frequent ability to have flexible scheduling required to meet family needs, which may include early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekends.
Consistent adherence to confidentiality laws, ethical standards, and professional boundaries while working in homes, community settings, and agency offices.

Nice To Haves

Licensed to practice therapy in the state of Michigan

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 a 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.
Be part of the Campus Programs Restraint Authorization group, learning about the impact of restrictive interventions and how to best support youth to avoid staff going hands on.
Authorize restraints when it is clinically appropriate to do so.