Therapist - Mental Health Counselor

The Childrens Home Society of Missouri•Saint Louis, MO

About The Position

As a Therapist - Mental Health Counselor at FamilyForward’s Developmental Trauma Center (DTC), you will provide mental health counseling services to children ages 4–19 who have experienced child abuse, neglect, or family violence victimization. You will provide trauma-informed psychoeducation and interventions to help children navigate social, emotional, relational, and behavioral challenges, and help caregivers build understanding and confidence in supporting their child following adverse life events. The position uses the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics and other trauma-informed approaches. New team members receive a supportive orientation, including shadowing DTC colleagues and gradually building a caseload. Mornings are typically devoted to non-direct clinical work, such as supervision, administration, and professional development; afternoons and evenings are devoted to individual, family, and group therapy. Sessions may take place at the DTC or in a family’s home, depending on need and location appropriateness. Therapists are responsible for achieving 60 billable hours per month and maintaining clinical documentation in FamilyForward’s electronic medical record system. The role includes regular caregiver communication and support, family therapy, connecting families with community resources, and advocating for children and families as needed. Therapists participate in monthly team-building and cultural humility activities. FamilyForward emphasizes safety, mindfulness and self-regulation, relational health, cultural diversity, inclusion, equity, anti-racism, clinical perspective, and awareness of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue.

Requirements

Master’s degree in social work or another relevant helping profession.
Professional license specific to the degree: LMSW, LCSW, PLPC, or LPC.
Compassion for children, families, and caregivers who have experienced adverse life events.
Willingness to build knowledge of developmental trauma through regular training and skills development.
Ability to develop trust-based relationships with children, caregivers, and coworkers.
Comfort supporting children who experience challenging behaviors.

Nice To Haves

Creativity in developing interventions for children and families.

Responsibilities

Provide mental health counseling to children ages 4–19 who have experienced abuse, neglect, or family violence victimization.
Provide trauma-informed psychoeducation and interventions addressing children’s social, emotional, relational, and behavioral challenges.
Support caregivers in understanding their child’s challenges and in providing support following adverse life events.
Conduct individual, family, and group therapy sessions at the DTC or in family homes as appropriate.
Achieve 60 billable hours per month.
Communicate consistently with caregivers, including through caregiver support and family therapy, to promote continuity of care.
Connect families with community resources and advocate for children and families in relevant settings.
Maintain clinical documentation in FamilyForward’s electronic medical record system.
Participate in supervision, professional development, training, team-building, and cultural humility activities.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee and family.
Optional short-term disability coverage.
Virtual medical and mental health care coverage.
Pre-tax medical flexible spending accounts.
Health Reimbursement Account for deductible expenses over $1,000.
403(b) retirement savings account with 3% dollar-for-dollar company match.
Company-paid long-term disability and life insurance.
Employee Assistance Program.
Additional 10 paid holidays, including two floating holidays for religious or cultural days.
Paid time off from December 25 through January 1.
Generous paid vacation time and health and wellness leave.
Education assistance program.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligible employer.
National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment eligible site.
Smaller caseloads than traditional nonprofit mental health service organizations.
Ability to create a schedule, with a minimum of two evenings, and flex time as needed.
No weekend work and no on-call hours.
New facility designed to support therapists and clients.
Emphasis on professional learning, growth, and development.