What are the responsibilities and job description for the Therapist - Early Childhood Services position at Suncoast Center?
Early Childhood Therapist:
We intervene early in the lives of young children to promote safety, resiliency, and healthy development. The Early Childhood program provides in-home and school-based mental health counseling to children aged 6 and under and their parents. We are seeking therapists that are engaging and take an active approach to make interventions for children fun, therapeutic, and meaningful.
Suncoast Center is where good changes happen.
For over 80 years Suncoast Center have been providing emotional wellness services to individuals and families. Our employees thrive in an environment where diversity and inclusion are a priority. We pride ourselves on supporting the growth and development of our clinicians, including free qualified supervision, continuing education, and a supportive team environment.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Graduation from an accredited graduate school with a Master’s degree in clinical social work, clinical psychology, mental health counseling or related human service field.
Licensure: Not required, registered intern pursuing licensure pursuant the provisions of Chapter 491, Florida Statutes as a social worker, mental health counselor, or marriage and family therapist preferred.
Experience: Minimum of one year direct experience providing therapeutic interventions. Experience in crisis intervention, knowledge regarding the effects of violence on children, evidenced based interventions, and a background in early childhood education/development is desirable.
Negative Drug Screening
Clear Criminal Background Check (must be in compliance with Florida Laws and Administrative Codes with fingerprinting and determined to be of good moral character).
Working Conditions: Must have valid Florida driver's license and a driving record that is acceptable to Suncoast Center; must meet minimum levels of personal automobile liability insurance; requires both indoor and outdoor work with outreach to off-site locations. Exposure to extreme heat and humidity during the summer months. Schedule may be irregular, based on client availability. Work is primarily off site in client family homes and community locations.
Computer Literate
Job Duties:
- Provide in-home therapeutic services to families with young children ages 0 to 6 years old that have had social, emotional or behavioral difficulties at home or in their preschool setting.
- Provides therapeutic services which are culturally competent, solution focused, strength based, recovery oriented, and co-occurring capable as they are needed by program families. Completes Feedback Informed Treatment (FIT) 6 month checklist within first 6 months of employment.
- Uses the ORS and SRS with all clients within 6 months of employment and enters the scores in OpenFit electronic system.
- Understands that using FIT measures will be part of employee’s performance evaluation. The scores on the ORS and SRS will not be monitored as part of the evaluation, only the use of the measures will be evaluated.
- Provide in-home therapeutic services to Healthy Start clients (pregnant women or women with newborn babies) to address mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, etc.
- Conduct bio-psychosocial or in-depth assessments on all new clients.
- Review comprehensive assessment information, including the ASQ 3, ASQ SE, and other applicable assessment tools, prior to formulating treatment goals.
- Formulate and maintain up to date treatment plans for each client.
- Complete encounter forms and submit to program manager for all clients referred by Healthy Start.
- Attend case review and/or staff meetings as scheduled.
- Provide clinical consultation to staff, clients, collaborative members, law enforcement, family court and other community organizations.
- Attend multi-disciplinary staffing for Early Childhood Services clients, when appropriate.
- Completes all measures for measurable objectives as assigned by JWB in conformance with our contract.
- Assists with quarterly and annual reports for the Agency and JWB.
- Complete all documentation in accordance with agency standards.
- Maintains a productivity level in accordance with agency standards.
- Accomplish individual goals.
- Other duties as assigned.
Core Competencies
- The ability to function and operate as a team player, showing dignity and respect for all.
- The ability to comply with all equal employment opportunity and ethical standards and regulations.
- The ability to take direction in a respectful and productive manner from supervisors and managers.
- The ability to work, as scheduled, in a timely fashion, and with an attitude oriented to service.
- The ability to have cordial and professional relationships both within the organization and with vendors, clients and third parties.
- If appropriate, the ability to produce all appropriate paperwork and reports consistent with contractual, state or federal standard, and to prepare and submit such paperwork on a timely basis.
- The ability to understand and comply with Suncoast Center, Inc. policies and procedures.
- The ability to render compassionate care and equal commitment to serve clients in need of healthcare assistance.
Benefits & Perks:
Health & Wellness
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance with 0 copy for Teledoc Appointments
- EAP Supports
- Company Paid Basic Life, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, and Long term Disability
- Options to secure additional Life/AD&D as well as short term disability
Work-Life Balance
- Paid time off 10 company paid holidays
Growth & Development
- Professional development options through our Learning Management System and live trainings
Other Perks
- 403b with up to a 5% company match
Monthly Social Committee Events
All positions require a screening through the Clearinghouse. This site was implemented under the directive of House Bill 531 (2025). https://info.flclearinghouse.com/