First Responder Therapist

The Refuge, A Healing Place • Ocklawaha, FL

8d

About The Position

The Refuge – A Healing Place is seeking a Therapist to support its first responder clients through their healing journey. Located on 96 acres in Florida’s Ocala National Forest, The Refuge provides treatment for individuals with mental health and addiction diagnoses through an evidence-based clinical program that combines process and psycho-educational groups with wellness modalities. Its nature-based approach is informed by the belief that trauma resides in the nervous system and aims to help clients process trauma and reduce maladaptive coping mechanisms.

The Therapist provides individual, group, and family therapy and collaborates with clinicians, medical providers, and support staff. The role may provide services in an inpatient or outpatient setting and includes assessment, treatment planning, documentation, case management, and discharge or after-care planning. Candidates should be empathetic, clinically skilled, grounded, and committed to trauma-informed, ethical, compassionate, client-centered care. Experience with first responders or in the first responder field is preferred.

The listed starting pay is $28.00 per hour for intern candidates and $70,000 annually for fully licensed therapists, with increases based on relevant work experience. Available schedules are Sunday through Thursday or Tuesday through Saturday. The position requires a Level 2 Background Screening through the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse.

Requirements

• Master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or another recognized therapeutic field.
• Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern or Registered Clinical Social Work Intern; state or national licensure for professional therapy providers is required.
• Two or more years of experience as a therapist, including one or more years of experience with the facility's specific population.
• CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification are required; training is available upon hire and offered by the facility.
• First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
• Commitment to ethical, compassionate, client-centered care.
• Must complete a Level 2 Background Screening through the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse.

Nice To Haves

• Fully licensed LCSW, LMFT, or LMHC.
• Experience with trauma-informed care, addiction treatment, or residential settings.
• Previous experience working with first responders or in the first responder field.

Responsibilities

• Apply psychotherapeutic techniques and interventions to treat diagnosed emotional and behavioral health disorders in individuals and families.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments and develop initial discharge plans.
• Conduct individual, group, or family sessions as appropriate to each patient's treatment plan.
• Develop initial treatment plans based on assessments, coordinate additional services, and revise plans as necessary.
• Document therapy services provided to each patient according to facility and professional standards, revising documentation as needed.
• Maintain an assigned caseload.
• Participate in treatment team meetings and collaborate with staff to facilitate services in accordance with patient treatment plans.
• Provide services in an inpatient or outpatient setting as needed.
• Provide case management, discharge planning, or after-care planning according to the treatment plan.
• May assist with educating and training staff on behavior management or therapeutic crisis intervention.
• May coordinate clinical, psychosocial, or educational activities with patients and their families.
• Maintain a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude; acknowledge and work to resolve unmet patient needs and complaints; and prioritize patient safety.
• Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• PTO and sick time.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including employee and family counseling, financial assistance, and life event preparation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level