Mental Health Therapist I

NATIONAL YOUTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM•Homewood, IL

16d•$56,000 - $58,000

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Clinical Supervisor or designee, the Mental Health Therapist I works with youth, families, foster parents, and community partners to provide advocacy and support toward safe and successful community living. The role provides mental health and related services to youth and families and coordinates community-based supports. The position is based in Homewood, Illinois. The stated schedule is 9-5am, with flexibility as needed for client appointments during evenings and weekends. Salary is $56,000–$58,000 per year.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work or a comparable Human Services field from an accredited institution.
Willingness to work flexible and non-traditional hours to serve foster caregivers, families of origin, and persons served.
Ability to be flexible and responsive to youth, foster caregivers, system partners, and internal customers.
Ability to remain objective and professional in all areas of job function.
Tolerance and respect for the ideas and actions of others.
Ability to work effectively with, and show respect and sensitivity toward, people from varied cultural, socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, and racial backgrounds.
Proficiency with desktop and laptop computers, smartphones, tablets, printers, fax machines, photocopiers, and word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
Valid driver’s license, reliable personal transportation, and a good driving record.
Minimum automobile insurance coverage of $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury liability.

Nice To Haves

Two years of direct-service work experience with youth and families.
Advanced professional license preferred: LPC, LCPC, LMFT, or LMSW; license-eligible candidates are also considered.

Responsibilities

Support, represent, and extend the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
Provide individual, group, and family mental health services, case management, transportation, and other professional services.
Travel daily to provide community-based services to and on behalf of youth and families, following organizational, contract, and regulatory requirements.
Complete required documentation and training in a timely manner.
Meet established productivity thresholds.
Coordinate and monitor community services for youth and families, including mental health, medical, educational, psychological, vocational, and social services.
Regularly review and modify youth-based plans to support progress toward written plan goals.
Establish and maintain relationships with assigned foster parents and families of origin.
Assist with family reunification or stabilization efforts, or another permanent living arrangement consistent with the youth’s case plan.
Provide safety assessments, crisis response, and behavioral stabilization services as needed to support youth safety and stability.
Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement activities monthly or quarterly.
Participate in weekly supervision.