Residential Children’s Therapist

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In-person

Job Summary:

• To assess, diagnose, and treat emotional and behavioral challenges in children and adolescents, using age-appropriate evidence-based therapeutic approaches (play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, family based interventions, etc.)

• Help youth develop skills to cope with anxiety, trauma, ADHD, grief, social difficulties, family changes

• Collaborate closely with treatment team, parents, caregivers, schools, and healthcare providers to support the youth’s overall well‑being and promote healthy emotional development

• Support youth during and after residential care

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Clinical Assessment & Treatment

• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments to identify client needs, strengths, and areas of concern.

• Collaborate with clients and families to develop individualized treatment plans that reflect client driven goals and objectives.

• Apply evidence based principles of psychotherapy, behavioral science, and change theory to help clients identify problems, build coping strategies, and reduce emotional or behavioral distress.

• Engage clients with empathy, cultural humility, and respect to foster therapeutic rapport and participation in treatment.

• Provide crisis intervention services when needed, ensuring safety and stabilization.

• Complete reassessments for any RU client on watches/precautions.

Residential Care

• Facilitate group therapy with residents according to program schedule

• Complete a minimum of one 1:1 sessions with your clients weekly

• Complete all paperwork for respite clients

• Review admission paperwork from clients admitted the day prior to ensure completion. Provide follow up if not done correctly.

• Complete school safety plans for clients prior to going to school

• In the absence of the Residential Program Manager, collaborate with treatment teams to ensure comprehensive and coordinated discharge planning.

  • Serve as the point of contact for families who arrive when the primary treatment provider is unavailable, offering support and guidance.

  • Coordinate and confirm discharge times with staff, clients, and families to ensure a smooth transition.

  • Conduct a follow-up phone call within twenty-four (24) hours after discharge to assess wellbeing and address any immediate concerns.

  • Maintain records for all RU clients who have been admitted for 14 days or longer. If a client does not transition to a group home and is discharged home, the RU Therapist will provide follow-up services for a period of six (6) months. The RU Therapist will also maintain communication with other treatment providers to ensure that all recommended follow-up services are completed.

  • Facilitate linkage to existing service providers and community supports to promote continuity of care and ensure safety after discharge.

Case Management

• Provide advocacy, outreach, assessment, and coordinated service planning for clients.

• Identify and connect clients with agency and community resources.

• Implement and monitor service linkages to support client goals.

• Coordinate referrals to internal and external providers as appropriate.

• Participate in interagency and intra agency collaboration, including staff meetings and treatment team discussions.

Trauma Informed Practice

• Utilize trauma informed care principles to guide clinical decision making and support a safe, collaborative, and healing environment.

• Model and reinforce trauma informed values and practices with clients and staff to promote emotional safety, empowerment, and healthy relationships.

• Promote trauma informed care principles through the consistent application of core values and practices.

• Engage in safe work practices to protect both self and others.

Documentation & Record Management

• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant client records, incorporating concurrent documentation practices.

• Complete assigned tasks competently and within designated timeframes.

• Meet Client Service Hour expectations consistently.

• Adhere to agency, state, and federal guidelines, including HIPAA confidentiality regulations.

Supervision, Training & Professional Development

• Attend scheduled supervision sessions and actively participate in case consultation.

• Follow supervisory guidance and utilize supervision during crises or complex clinical situations.

• Adhere to all supervision policies and expectations.

• Complete required trainings promptly.

• Maintain licensure and pursue ongoing development of clinical skills and competencies.

• Participate in team meetings, staff meetings, and staff development activities as directed by the Supervisor.

• Meet productivity expectations related to service hours and documentation.

Professional Conduct & Representation

• Maintain professional appearance, demeanor, and communication.

• Communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively in both written and verbal formats.

• Demonstrate respect for diverse professional roles and disciplines.

• Maintain articulate, organized, and grammatically accurate communication in all professional interactions.

• Represent CRC professionally and respectfully across all platforms, including in person, virtual, and social media interactions.

• Uphold and promote the agency’s mission, values, and trauma informed philosophy.

• Demonstrate the agency’s mission and values through conduct and communication

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred

• Active LSW, LPC, or MFT license required; LISW, LPCC, or IMFT preferred

• Experience supporting youth with behavioral or emotional challenges in therapeutic, educational, or community settings

• Strong understanding of mental health diagnoses, symptom presentation, and evidence based treatment approaches

• Demonstrated application of trauma informed practices to promote emotional and psychological safety for children and adolescents

• Ability to successfully complete all required background checks, including BCI, FBI, and state mandated database screenings

• Familiarity with data management systems and electronic health records

Work Expectations:

• Capacity for occasional physical activity, including lifting or moving up to 25 pounds and performing brief physical redirection or restraint when necessary

• Flexible work schedule with some evenings

• Work primarily in office and community

For list of benefits, visit our Job Openings page