Residential Programs Therapist

Apply for the Residential Programs Therapist role at Shelter Youth & Family Services
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Job Title:

Residential Programs Therapist

Reports To:

Clinical Director

Location:

Arlington Heights, Illinois

Shelter Youth & Family Services provides emergency housing, community-based services, and support for youth and families in crisis. Founded in 1975, we are a leading voice for child welfare, human trafficking response, foster care innovation, and trauma‑informed care in Illinois. Our mission is to end the cycle of abuse and neglect by providing safe, healthy, and stable lives for children and families.

The Residential Programs Therapist is responsible for providing client services to Shelter Youth and Family Services clients in the Emergency Shelters, Transitional Living Program (TLP), and the Youth Experiencing Homelessness (YEH) Program. This includes clinical services to youth and families and compliance with Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) rules and regulations. The role operates under the supervision of the Clinical Supervisor, who reports to the Clinical Director.

• Provide trauma‑informed therapeutic services (TF‑CBT, CBT, DBT) to clients in Residential Programs.
• Deliver training to direct‑service staff as needed.
• Mentor interns within the emergency shelters.
• Attend Multidisciplinary Team Meetings every Wednesday at 10 AM for each program.
• Work with the Clinical Supervisor to implement trauma‑informed programming.
• Manage a caseload of 12–15 clients and provide weekly therapy groups.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Clinical Supervisor.

• Provide individual and group therapy to clients weekly.
• Offer psycho‑education and trauma‑informed therapeutic groups to clients and/or families.
• Facilitate development, review, and modification of client treatment, discharge, and after‑care plans.
• Collaborate with case‑management teams to assess client needs, develop individualized treatment plans, and track progress.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams and other systems (schools, DCFS, etc.) to support clients clinically.
• Promote a trauma‑informed and culturally sensitive approach to care, prioritizing safety, dignity, and well‑being of each client.

• Maintain documentation compliance with licensing, accreditation, and legal requirements (DCFS, COA, Medicaid).
• Keep comprehensive client records per funding entities, licensing regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Complete required documentation within 48 hours.

• Respond to client crises or emergencies with immediate support and stabilization.
• Provide post‑crisis support to clients and staff as needed for debriefing and processing.
• Available on‑call on a rotation basis with other clinical staff.

The Residential Programs Therapist reports directly to the Clinical Supervisor and collaborates with other program leaders to ensure the highest quality of care and service delivery.

10 a.m.–6 p.m.; therapist will also be on‑call for all Shelter residential programs. Hours may be flexible based on program needs.

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, or related field.
• Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) preferred; willing to obtain professional license within first year of hire.

• 1–2 years of experience providing counseling (individual and/or group therapy).
• Experience working with high‑risk youth, particularly in the child welfare system.
• Familiarity with therapeutic evidence‑based interventions (TF‑CBT, CBT, DBT).
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed care, crisis intervention, and the unique needs of high‑risk clients.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and remain calm under pressure.
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed practices.
• Familiarity with DCFS regulations and child welfare best practices.

• Certification in TF‑CBT preferred.
• IM+CANS certification or ability to complete within 3 months of hire.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license and…