Group Home Clinical Therapist

LCFS•Lisle, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Group Home Clinical Therapist is primarily responsible for providing individual and occasional family counseling services using a trauma-informed approach to youth between the ages of 12 and 18 who are Youth in Care and reside in our group home. This role involves effective counseling, collaboration with community partners, timely and confidential mental health record-keeping, IMCANS assessments, and maintaining a regular schedule of counseling times. The therapist will also provide community information and linkage to referral services for substance abuse and mental health treatment. The position requires attending annual trauma-related trainings, CPI, and CPR, participating in weekly clinical supervision, and assisting with program policy development. Adherence to agency policies, confidentiality, and ethical standards is crucial. The role may require some evening hours and participation in an on-call rotation.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of clinical practices related to working with youth between the ages of 10 to 25.
Experience in providing effective therapy to youth in care, particularly those who have experienced complex trauma.
Ability to provide affirming counseling to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and the LGBTQ+ population.
Competence in addressing a wide range of concerns such as depression, anxiety, drug use, running away, fighting, and trauma.
Strong adaptability to providing services in various contexts and environments.
Proficiency in maintaining accurate and timely mental health records and completing assessments.
Effective collaboration skills with community partners.
Commitment to ongoing professional development, including attending trauma-related trainings and complying with required certifications like CPI and CPR.
Demonstrates professionalism, flexibility, good judgment, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
A Master’s Degree from an accredited program in counseling, psychology, social work, or marriage and family therapy is required.
Must hold an Illinois license, with a minimum of LPC.
Competencies include a strength-based approach, adherence to ethical guidelines, trauma-informed practices, detail orientation, strong problem-solving skills, and flexibility.
Expected to operate from a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and intersectional lens.
Regularly required to talk or hear.
Frequently required to sit.
Occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, or controls; reach with hands and arms.
Capable of operating standard office equipment, including a computer and keyboard, calculator, typical business machines such as a fax machine and copier.
Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20-30 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Required to have valid driver’s license, auto insurance and must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Follows all ethics policies and procedures.
Maintain confidentiality of client, staff, and agency information.
Reports any known or suspected breaches of confidentiality in accordance with policy.
Reports possible misconduct or relevant errors/ oversight in a timely manner and responsibly addresses related issues with chain of command.
Consistently conveys clear, accurate, timely, and respectful communication appropriate for the situation.
Informs appropriate management staff when incident occurs or a crisis situation.
Maintains professional boundaries with clients/residents, staff, interns, volunteers, and vendors.
Able to successfully share skills and concepts with others and works effectively with others under time and environmental pressures.
Demonstrates sound judgement and foresight in safety awareness and in daily work.
Notifies, in a timely manner, the supervisory chain of any incidents or circumstances that need attention.
Report all suspicions or allegations of abuse immediately to their supervisor.
Ensures appropriate utilization of materials and resources and minimizes waste.

Nice To Haves

Preference is given to those with an LCPC, LMFT, or LCSW.
Ideal candidates will have experience working with youth, particularly those who have experienced traumatic stress.
Commitment to continuous growth and development in trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and intersectional areas.

Responsibilities

Provide individual and occasional family counseling services using a trauma-informed approach to youth aged 12-18 in the group home.
Collaborate with community partners such as DCFS case workers, Monitors, License Administrators, schools, police departments, juvenile probation, and mental health agencies/hospitals.
Complete IMCANS assessments and maintain a regular schedule of counseling times.
Provide community information and linkage to referral services for substance abuse and mental health treatment.
Attend at least two trauma-related trainings per year and comply with required trainings such as CPI and CPR annually.
Participate in clinical supervision from an assigned clinical supervisor and engage in individual and group supervision weekly.
Assist with the development and implementation of program policies and procedures.
Adhere to all agency policies and procedures, including confidentiality and ethical standards of practice.
Perform other duties as assigned.