Child Mental Health Therapist

Penfield Children's Center•Milwaukee, WI

6d•$49,453 - $74,180•Onsite

About The Position

The Child Mental Health Therapist provides specialized Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health services to children from birth through age six and their families. The role conducts comprehensive evaluations, delivers evidence-based therapeutic interventions, partners with caregivers, and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to support children’s development and family relationships. Services include home-based counseling, clinical consultation for agency staff, and supervision and mentorship of graduate students. The therapist represents the Behavior Clinic within Penfield and the broader community and works under the direction of the Assistant Director of the Behavior Clinic. The therapist conducts diagnostic evaluations, observations, and consultations; prepares evaluation reports; and communicates findings and recommendations to families. The role provides family-centered treatment, develops and adjusts treatment plans, monitors progress, maintains clinical documentation and billing, and coordinates care with caregivers and community professionals. The therapist also supports colleagues and students, meets clinical recordkeeping and productivity expectations, maintains required licensure, and participates in continuing education.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a behavioral health field, such as Counseling Psychology, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy, Social Work, Psychology, or a closely related field.
Active Wisconsin licensure as an LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or Licensed Psychologist, or current enrollment in a supervised licensure pathway such as LPC In-Training or APSW.
Clinical experience working with children and caregivers.
Exposure to evaluations, treatment planning, and counseling through supervised practice.
Reliable transportation, a valid Wisconsin driver’s license, and proof of vehicle insurance for home visits and community-based services.
Ability to participate in comprehensive clinical assessments and contribute to diagnostic impressions under supervision.
Ability to complete clinical documentation in accordance with training and agency standards.
Clear, compassionate written and verbal communication with families, colleagues, and community partners.
Ability to manage multiple cases, maintain timely documentation, and follow structured workflows.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries and exercise sound judgment.
Ability to work autonomously and contribute effectively to a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to work respectfully and responsively with diverse children, families, and communities.
Ability to use electronic health records and Microsoft Office and learn new systems.
Flexibility to adjust to changing family needs and clinical priorities.
Meet required health and safety clearances under Penfield Children’s Center policy, including an annual flu vaccine.
Ability to move within diverse home settings, including bending, kneeling, reaching, carrying materials, navigating stairs or tight spaces, and sitting at low heights during interactions.
Ability to lift or carry up to 50 pounds as needed for materials or child interaction.
Ability to travel throughout the service area in varied weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

Active Wisconsin licensure as an LPC or LCSW.
Specialized training or direct practice with children from birth to age six.
Home-based clinical experience.
Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary settings.
Experience supervising graduate-level practicum students or interns.
Experience working with children with developmental disabilities or behavioral challenges.
Understanding of child development, attachment, and behavioral evaluation methods.
Knowledge of therapeutic models used with young children and families.
Understanding of developmental delays, behavioral challenges, and typical child development.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive mental health diagnostic evaluations, observations, and consultations for children referred to the Behavior Clinic.
Identify behavioral, emotional, developmental, and trauma-related concerns using appropriate diagnostic practices.
Prepare timely and accurate evaluation reports and billing, and maintain required data collection and reporting.
Communicate evaluation results and recommendations to families in a supportive, family-centered manner.
Deliver in-home, family-centered mental health services using evidence-based approaches tailored to each child.
Create and adjust treatment plans based on evaluation findings and family goals; track progress and modify interventions as clinically appropriate.
Maintain progress notes and billing in accordance with agency timelines.
Coordinate care with caregivers, educators, healthcare providers, community professionals, and other providers.
Recognize child safety and well-being concerns and fulfill mandated reporting responsibilities when appropriate.
Provide behavioral health guidance to agency staff and interdisciplinary teams, and support treatment planning, referrals, and behavioral health decision-making.
Explain Behavior Clinic services and referral pathways to colleagues and collaborate with community providers.
Seek consultation or refer families for additional services when appropriate.
Supervise students, review documentation, and support high-quality clinical practice.
Mentor practicum students and interns through modeling, coaching, and guided practice; provide feedback and foster professional development.
Meet agency expectations for clinical records, billing, and productivity; maintain required licensure and participate in continuing education.
Demonstrate commitment to Penfield’s mission and values and perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

128 PTO hours (three weeks plus one day), earned per pay period and usable early; an additional week after three years and another week after four years.
15 paid holidays in 2026, including an employee choice holiday and winter closure from Christmas Eve through New Year’s.
403(b) retirement enrollment and company match after one year (50% of employee contributions up to 3%).
Medical, dental, and vision insurance beginning the first of the month after 30 days.
Flexible Spending Account.
Health Savings Account or Health Reimbursement Arrangement, based on health plan.
Voluntary short-term and long-term disability, critical illness, and accident insurance.
Company-paid life insurance equal to two times annual salary.
Two weeks of paid parental leave.
Employee Assistance Program.