MST Family Therapist

Youth Outreach Services • Chicago, IL

1d • $55,000 - $58,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The MST Family Therapist works with families to create strength-based, sustainable behavioral change. Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) is specifically designed to treat youth aged 11-17 and their caregivers to alleviate serious behavior issues such as aggression, poor academic performance, delinquency involvement, and problematic sexual behavior (with additional training). Therapists provide intensive family therapy (2-3 sessions per week) in the client’s home, school, or other community locations. This program serves the entire Cook County area. Therapists carry small caseloads (4-6 families) so they have sufficient time to dedicate to each family’s needs. Due to the nature of this role, employees must be able to dedicate their full time and attention to the position. Outside employment/schooling that could interfere with job performance or availability for clients is not permitted. MST incorporates treatment interventions that are evidence-based and places a high premium on approaching each client/family as unique. Treatment progress is made through intensive interventions such as skill-building, changing negative family interactions, and increasing social support. Therapists also work with collaterals such as teachers, DCFS, juvenile justice, and other systems that the youth is involved in to ensure continuity of services.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or Marriage/Family Therapy required.
• A valid driver’s license and daily access to own vehicle required.
• Willingness to conduct sessions in clients’ homes/community locations throughout the Cook County area required.
• Ability to respond to after-hours emergencies as needed required.

Nice To Haves

• Some experience/internship working with at-risk youth and/or families preferred, particularly in juvenile justice, child welfare, residential, or psychiatric settings.
• Bilingual in Spanish a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide intensive family therapy (2-3 sessions per week) in the client’s home, school, or other community locations.
• Work with families to create strength-based, sustainable behavioral change.
• Alleviate serious behavior issues in youth aged 11-17 and their caregivers.
• Work with collaterals such as teachers, DCFS, juvenile justice, and other systems that the youth is involved in to ensure continuity of services.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies as needed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and Short/Long-Term Disability options.
• Retirement Plan: 403(b) with eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous accruals to support work-life balance.
• Mileage reimbursement (specific to this position).
• Full paid training in the MST standard model and problematic sexual behavior adaptation.
• Weekly consultation with MST expert regarding case issues.
• Weekly individual and group supervision.
• Written feedback and professional development plans from the MST consulting expert.
• Ongoing booster trainings on a quarterly basis.

What This Job Offers

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