Children's Therapist

A Children’s Therapist delivers comprehensive, trauma-informed therapy for survivors of domestic violence that

allows survivors to: 

• Continue to gain a sense of safety and control
• Further develop their problem-solving skills and coping mechanisms
• Understand domestic violence and its impact on a person’s life
• Uses a strengths-based approach to provide crisis management, safety planning, advocacy, resource referrals and support to survivors of domestic violence.

The Children’s Therapist will report directly to the Vice President of Children’s Services and work closely with other Therapists, Case Managers, and direct service staff.

Therapists are expected to deliver a minimum of 20 hours of direct service to clients weekly, which equates to approximately 22-25 cases. They must also have the flexibility to travel offsite with clients to coordinate or accompany clients to appointments or other community resources. All Newhouse team members must be able to adapt to a continually evolving environment and thrive in an autonomous and deadline-oriented workplace.

SCHEDULE + BENEFITS

This is a full-time, salaried position starting at $46,000.

Work schedule is typically business hours [Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.] including one recurring late evening (i.e. 11 AM- 7PM). Flexibility is required to meet the needs of our clients and accommodate special projects, which may include additional evening or weekend hours occasionally. Newhouse provides a flexible work environment to the extent that it does not interfere with meeting the needs of our clients and residents.

Employees are eligible to receive 100% employer paid health and dental benefits. Voluntary vision benefits are available. 401(k) with a 4% match is available for all staff, following a 90-day qualifying period. EAP (Employee Assistance Program) and a generous PTO package are also provided.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Adhere to relevant Code of Ethics (NASW, ACA, etc.) and MOCADSV standards.

• Operates with a survivor-centric mindset, adhering to the Newhouse Workplace Culture Commitment, and

practicing our three-pillar philosophy (1) The Practice of Radical Empathy (2) Relationships Over Rules and

(3) Connection Before Consequence.

• Model leadership, self-awareness, and being solution focused.

• Initiates contact with assigned client within 72 hours of client assignment and begin necessary assessment with or without client present.

• Demonstrates the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with individuals facing significant challenges and/or complex mental health needs.

• Initiates treatment plan with client and collaborate on desired therapeutic services including frequency.

• Conducts a minimum of four therapeutic and/or psychoeducational groups on a weekly basis, including one evening group.

• Provides individual sessions and crisis intervention per treatment plan and/or by client request.

• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to support community referrals, as needed.

• Maintains accurate documentation ensuring that all clinical notes and documentation are entered in a timely manner [recommended daily, but no less than weekly].

• Attend meetings as scheduled (treatment review, health + safety check-ins, consultation meetings, departmental meetings) to provide trauma-competent perspective for interdisciplinary team and emotional support for client.

• Attend supervision and trainings as required by agency and licensing board.

• Provide on-call phone services to address mental health crisis situations when scheduled on rotation.

• Other duties as assigned by supervisor and appropriate to ethical responsibilities and MOCADSV standards.

EXPERIENCE, ABILITIES + QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in Licensed Professional Counseling (LPC) or Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW).

• Licensure in Missouri and Kansas required. Newhouse will assist in providing support in obtaining

reciprocity.

• Relevant clinical experience in individual and group counseling.

• Experience in domestic violence preferred but not required.

• Knowledge of domestic + family violence, child + adult development, principles of attachment, substance use + recovery, and culturally responsive practices.

• Training in Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, EMDR, Play Therapy, and DBT preferred.

• Must pass a background check.

• Computer skills, organizational, problem solving, and conflict management skills.

• Integrity, honesty and high ethical standards.

• Keen interpersonal skills, being sensitive to our Trauma Informed Care and Inclusive Culture of Belonging models.

• Alignment and adherence to the Newhouse mission, vision, and principles.

WORK CONDITIONS

Work conditions are typical of those in an office setting. There may be extending periods of sitting, standing, walking up and down stairs and/or traveling on the elevator. Staff may be subject to noises such as others speaking or children playing, given the shelter’s communal living structure. There are times the shelter must go into privacy mode for the privacy or safety of staff/residents. The intercom system is used to communicate these needs.

AT WILL EMPLOYMENT

There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an employment offer. It is the policy of Newhouse that employment is at will, which means that employment is for no specific term and that employment may be terminated by the employee or Newhouse at any time without cause.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY + AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Newhouse is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and know that in serving a diverse population and employing a diverse team, we position our organization and community to thrive. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background and are committed to a work environment of belonging that gives voice to, supports, inspires and respects all individuals.

Employment at Newhouse is solely based on a person’s aptitude, qualifications and professional competence. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other characteristics protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.