What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mental Health Therapist - Healing Center position at Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC)?
Come join the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) as a Mental Health Therapist! In this rewarding role, you’ll support our Residential Healing Center by providing high-quality individual, group, and family therapy for adults in treatment. We’re looking for a licensed mental health professional, ideally with experience in SUD treatment or dual LADC licensure, who is passionate about delivering meaningful, skillful therapy and can adapt with compassion to diverse client needs. You’ll enjoy weekly pay, great health benefits, and ongoing training and development to support your long-term growth. This role is targeted to begin on April 6, 2026. Whatever your career goals may be, let SMSC help you get there!
Job Overview: The Mental Health Therapist provides individual, group, and family therapy for adult clients in residential treatment at the Healing Center. This role is critical to the integration of mental health care into substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services, with an emphasis on trauma-informed, culturally grounded, and strengths-based approaches. The ideal candidate will be a licensed mental health professional with prior experience in SUD treatment or dual licensure as an LADC. In addition to therapy, this position includes case management responsibilities, supporting clients in accessing services, planning transitions, and navigating barriers to recovery. The Mental Health Therapist works closely with cultural practitioners and medical and addictions staff to support holistic healing for Native American clients, especially those from the four Dakota tribes. Initial staffing plan for this position follows a consistent four-day, 10-hour shift schedule and will work either Sunday through Wednesday or Wednesday through Saturday.
Create Your Path: The Work You’ll Do:
Who We Are: The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community contributes both time and financial resources across the region, state, and country. The SMSC has donated more than $400 million to organizations and causes, provided $500 million in economic development loans to other tribes, and contributed millions more to support regional governments and infrastructure. The SMSC's Native Green initiative annually diverts hundreds of tons of waste from landfills, has implemented compostable containers throughout our properties, and restored hundreds of acres of prairie land. Team members are eligible to participate in SMSC Gives, a community outreach initiative that organizes various opportunities in the local community. To empower its team members to take part in the Dakota tradition of giving, the SMSC provides paid hours to team members to volunteer at events. Learn more at shakopeedakota.org
Job Overview: The Mental Health Therapist provides individual, group, and family therapy for adult clients in residential treatment at the Healing Center. This role is critical to the integration of mental health care into substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services, with an emphasis on trauma-informed, culturally grounded, and strengths-based approaches. The ideal candidate will be a licensed mental health professional with prior experience in SUD treatment or dual licensure as an LADC. In addition to therapy, this position includes case management responsibilities, supporting clients in accessing services, planning transitions, and navigating barriers to recovery. The Mental Health Therapist works closely with cultural practitioners and medical and addictions staff to support holistic healing for Native American clients, especially those from the four Dakota tribes. Initial staffing plan for this position follows a consistent four-day, 10-hour shift schedule and will work either Sunday through Wednesday or Wednesday through Saturday.
Create Your Path: The Work You’ll Do:
- Provide mental health assessments, treatment planning, and ongoing therapy to adult clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
- Facilitate individual, group, and family therapy sessions tailored to the needs and cultural identities of clients.
- Provide case management support, including assisting clients in accessing community resources, coordinating care with outside providers, and addressing housing, legal, or financial needs related to recovery.
- Collaborate closely with LADC staff, medical providers, cultural advisors, and other staff to ensure integrated and person-centered care.
- Incorporate trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches into all aspects of therapy.
- Contribute to diagnostic formulations and treatment recommendations that support client recovery and wellness.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation in the electronic health record (NextGen).
- Participate in clinical staffings, treatment planning meetings, and interdisciplinary team discussions.
- Support clients through crises, de-escalation, and emotional regulation, ensuring safety and stability.
- Conduct discharge planning and referrals for continuing care, mental health services, or community support.
- Educate clients and staff on mental health topics relevant to recovery, resilience, and Native wellness.
- Participate in quality assurance, training, and professional development activities.
- Promote and model respect for Dakota traditions, healing practices, and community values.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Healing Center’s mission
- Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field.
- Active license as a Mental Health Professional (LPCC, LICSW, LMFT, or LP).
- Preferred: At least two (2) years of experience providing therapy to adults in substance abuse residential settings.
- Preferred: Dual licensure as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) or previous experience working in substance use disorder treatment.
- Experience providing case management services in a behavioral health setting.
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed care, co-occurring disorders, and culturally responsive treatment.
- Knowledge of or respect for Dakota culture and language, or a willingness to learn.
- Excellent interpersonal, documentation, and organizational skills.
- Must pass a background check and meet credentialing requirements.
- Must maintain client confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 regulations.
- Valid driver’s license and insurability under organizational policy.
Who We Are: The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community contributes both time and financial resources across the region, state, and country. The SMSC has donated more than $400 million to organizations and causes, provided $500 million in economic development loans to other tribes, and contributed millions more to support regional governments and infrastructure. The SMSC's Native Green initiative annually diverts hundreds of tons of waste from landfills, has implemented compostable containers throughout our properties, and restored hundreds of acres of prairie land. Team members are eligible to participate in SMSC Gives, a community outreach initiative that organizes various opportunities in the local community. To empower its team members to take part in the Dakota tradition of giving, the SMSC provides paid hours to team members to volunteer at events. Learn more at shakopeedakota.org