What are the responsibilities and job description for the Therapist position at Bethany Christian Services?
Requisition #: req15875
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Hours: 40 hours/week
One time Sign-On Bonus: $1,500
Additional Incentive Bonus after 6 months, based on performance and other factors: $1,500
As the Therapist for kinship programs, you will primarily be responsible for delivering family centered therapeutic interventions with kin caregivers and biological family members. You will support development of effective shared parenting relationships and support overall family well-being for kinship caregivers and children.
This role provides trauma-informed and strength- based solutions focused interventions to kinship caregivers. You will provide therapeutic services in a variety of settings convenient to kinship caregivers and birth family members, including kinship home, parental home, and within the community. This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.
Essential Job Responsibilities
QUALIFICATIONS:
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Hours: 40 hours/week
One time Sign-On Bonus: $1,500
Additional Incentive Bonus after 6 months, based on performance and other factors: $1,500
- Internal Candidates are not eligible for Sign-On Bonus*
As the Therapist for kinship programs, you will primarily be responsible for delivering family centered therapeutic interventions with kin caregivers and biological family members. You will support development of effective shared parenting relationships and support overall family well-being for kinship caregivers and children.
This role provides trauma-informed and strength- based solutions focused interventions to kinship caregivers. You will provide therapeutic services in a variety of settings convenient to kinship caregivers and birth family members, including kinship home, parental home, and within the community. This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.
Essential Job Responsibilities
- Engage kinship caregivers in new child removal cases, as appropriate, to support initial development of trusting relationships, establishment of new roles and boundaries;
- Work with the kinship support specialist and enhanced foster care program supervisor to identify kinship caregivers that would benefit from brief, therapeutic intervention to help them process complicated family and emotional dynamics associated with kinship care;
- To provide resources and referrals for parenting children with significant behavioral, medical and/or emotional needs;
- Provide data collection and reporting, assessment and treatment planning as required by funding requirements and client needs;
- Deliver family-centered services and/or interventions with ongoing evaluations to meet changing needs of clients, provide referrals to alternative services, as needed;
- Conduct therapeutic interventions in a variety of settings convenient to kinship caregivers and birth family members, including kinship home, parental home, and within the community;
- Meet pre-defined therapy session productivity requirements per week as defined by supervisor and program expectations;
- Facilitate flexible appointment times outside of regular business hours, as needed;
- Maintain documentation in compliance with contract and program requirements and practices;
- Attend Weekly meetings with supervisor to consult on cases, review case plan and direction and evaluate client participation and progress;
- Keep abreast of community resources and refer families for support, as needed;
- Stay abreast of all agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements related to social services;
- Stay up to date on treatment modalities, relevant resources, best practices and research regarding supporting and serving kinship caregivers in child welfare effectively;
- Complete other duties as assigned.
- Essential job responsibilities may vary based on the specific needs of each program/department;
- May be required or asked to participate in a Bethany sponsored event;
- Complete other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Counseling, or Psychology from an accredited college;
- Bilingual in English and Spanish required;
- At least one (1) year of prior experience in child and family services focused on neglect and abuse or with kinship caregivers, strongly preferred;
- Must have a broad knowledge of basic principles, concepts, and methodology of social work as acquired through a Master’s level degree;
- Knowledge of state, community, and agency resources
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
- Demonstrated clinical, therapeutic, and crisis intervention skills;
- Capacity to engage a wide range of clients in a hopeful, empathic and integrated relationships;
- Must have an ability to provide excellent and compassionate customer service;
- Ability to work independently and exercise a high level of confidentiality;
- Computer and typing skills sufficient to perform essential job functions;
- Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite;
- Must be 21 years old with a valid driver's license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany;
- Must pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate coverage;
- Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
- Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.
- Regularly required to talk and/or hear;
- Occasionally required to stand, walk, or sit; use finger dexterity, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl;
- Occasionally required to move or lift items up to 25 pounds in weight;
- Primarily office based, but may be required to travel to other offices and/or external parties;
- Routinely exposed to typical office noise levels and/or exposure to various weather conditions