Group Home Clinical Therapist

Non-management Job Description

Effective Date: March 1, 2024

Job Title: Group Home Clinical Therapist

Exempt/Non-exempt: EXEMPT

Immediate Supervisor: Director of housing

Compensation Range: $62,512 - $65,512

Benefits:  to view LCFS’ Full-Time Employee Benefits.

Essential Functions:

• 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.
• Effectively provide counseling services and collaborate with community partners, such as DCFS case workers, Monitors and License Administrators, schools, police departments, juvenile probation, and mental health agencies/hospitals that serve youth.
• Provide timely, diligent, and confidential mental health records; complete IMCANS assessments; and maintain a regular schedule of counseling times that coincide with the group home's schedule of required curriculum.
• Provide community information and linkage to referral services for youth in care and their treatment teams 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 a clinical supervisor assigned from the Counseling department, as well as individual and group supervision weekly, and engage in informal opportunities to connect with other therapists at 360 Youth Services.
• Assist with the development and implementation of program policies and procedures to enhance service delivery and program efficiency.
• Adhere to all agency policies and procedures, including confidentiality and ethical standards of practice.
• Position may require some evening hours for sessions (4 PM – 7 PM) and participation in an on‑call rotation after the training period, with a maximum of one week per month.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Ability 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, such as DCFS case workers, schools, police departments, juvenile probation, and mental health agencies/hospitals.
• 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.

Education and Experience: A Master’s Degree from an accredited program in counseling, psychology, social work, or marriage and family therapy is required. Candidates must hold an Illinois license, with a minimum of LPC, though 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, and a commitment to affirming LGBTQ+ and BIPOC youth.

Competencies include a strength‑based approach, adherence to ethical guidelines, trauma‑informed practices, detail orientation, strong problem‑solving skills, and the flexibility to engage youth. Additionally, candidates are expected to operate from a trauma‑informed, anti‑oppressive, and intersectional lens, with a commitment to continuous growth and development in these areas.

Physical Demands and Other Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties listed in the job description satisfactorily. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently…