Experiential Therapist

Join Our Dynamic Team as an Experiential Therapist at Cunningham Children's Home!

Are you a compassionate, creative, and dedicated individual ready to make a meaningful impact on the lives of youth in residential care? Cunningham Children's Home, a leader in trauma-informed care, is looking for a talented Experiential Therapist to join our Special Therapies team. In this exciting and rewarding role, you'll help guide youth through their emotional and behavioral growth using music as well as other therapeutic modalities, working collaboratively with clinical teams to create life-changing experiences.

Why Cunningham Children’s Home?

At Cunningham Children's Home, we believe in the transformative power of healing through creative expression and holistic therapies. Our trauma-informed approach focuses on empowering youth by addressing their unique needs with compassion and respect. This is more than just a job — it’s an opportunity to help young people thrive and find hope for a brighter future.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead individual and group therapeutic sessions using music, movement, creative expression and other therapeutic techniques to help youth overcome challenges, express themselves, and grow emotionally.
• Work closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure a comprehensive approach to care, collaborating with clinicians, community partners, and volunteers to maximize impact.
• Manage therapeutic equipment, maintain safe and nurturing environments, and ensure high standards of documentation and reporting in line with agency policies.

What We’re Looking For:

• Candidates must hold the minimum entry-level degree required for their specific experiential/creative arts therapy discipline (bachelor’s–master’s), as established by the relevant national certifying or licensing body, and must be eligible to obtain the appropriate certification or licensure within 3 months of hire. (e.g., recreational therapy, music therapy, art therapy, play therapy, equine-assisted therapy, drama therapy, dance/movement therapy, adventure therapy)
• Licensed Professional Music Therapist (preferred) or eligibility to obtain licensure within 3 months of hire.
• CPR and First Aid certifications required upon hire; lifeguard certification (preferred).
• Valid Illinois Driver's License

Your Skills & Expertise:

• Knowledge of Trauma-informed practices, music therapy practicing models, child development, and DSM-5 diagnoses.
• Ability to facilitate group therapy and engage youth through creative interventions.
• Strong clinical decision-making, documentation skills, and the ability to manage behavioral challenges with care and professionalism.
• Adaptability to changing priorities and the ability to foster therapeutic relationships with youth from diverse backgrounds.

What We Offer:

• A supportive, trauma-informed team where your expertise and creativity will thrive.
• Competitive salary based on education and experience, with excellent benefits and opportunities for professional development.
• A culture rooted in teamwork, integrity, respect, and a shared commitment to spirituality and personal growth.

Apply today and be a part of something extraordinary at Cunningham Children's Home!

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance