Campus Programs Therapist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Campus Programs Therapist

Department & Division : Campus Programs

Reports To: Assistant Director of Campus Programs

Beginning Pay Range: $53,827- $56,817

Classification: Full Time, Salaried, Exempt

D.A. Blodgett- St. John’s

D.A. Blodgett - St. John's is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening children and families through a comprehensive continuum of care, including, but not limited to; counseling, family preservation, foster care, adoption, and residential treatment. Guided by the belief that children thrive best with their families whenever safety can be ensured, the organization delivers compassionate, evidence-based services designed to promote healing, stability, and long-term success. Primarily serving children, youth, and families in the greater Grand Rapids area, with select programs reaching communities across Michigan, D.A. Blodgett - St. John's is committed to creating brighter futures through prevention, intervention, and lifelong support. Rooted in dignity, equity, and belonging, the organization is dedicated to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment where all children, all families, and all individuals are valued, supported, and empowered.

Mission Statement : To help children and empower families by providing safety, advocacy, and support.

Vision : A safe, nurturing home for every child, a supportive community for every family.

Values:

• Exceptional Service: Client-focused and teaming at the center of our work.
• Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion: All are welcomed, valued, and belong.
• Excellence: Ongoing commitment to learning and improvement.
• Integrity: Responsibility and ownership of our actions and results.
• Creativity: Imagination, innovation, and intelligent risk taking.
• Passion: Relentless positive energy toward our mission and vision.

Sanctuary & Culture Commitments :

• Nonviolence: Maintaining safety for all members of the community.

• Emotional Intelligence: Managing emotions so we don’t hurt ourselves or others.
• Social Learning: Together we accomplish more, we care for one another.
• Democracy: Everyone has a voice, not necessarily a vote.
• Open Communication: Respecting and sharing ideas of our team.
• Social Responsibility: Say what you mean, don’t be mean when you say it.
• Growth & Change: Creating hope for ourselves and the people we serve.
• Cultural Humility: We approach difference with openness, curiosity, and an ongoing commitment to learning. 
• Trauma-Responsive Practices: We recognize the impact of trauma and work to minimize harm, promote agency and support healing. 
• Identity Safety: We honor and respect the intersecting identities people hold, and we work to prevent identity-harm or discrimination. 
• Anti-Racism: We work actively to recognize and interrupt bias, discrimination, and systemic inequities in our work and interactions. 

Position Summary:

The Therapist provides comprehensive, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive mental health services to youth and their families within residential setting and in DABSJ’s Independent Living Program. Grounded in a strengths-based and relationship-centered approach, this role supports individuals with diverse emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs while promoting resilience, stability, and overall well-being.

Therapists deliver a continuum of care which may include assessment, diagnosis, individual, family, and group therapy, and case coordination. Services are tailored to meet the unique needs, identities, and lived experiences of each youth and their family, incorporating evidence-based practices and developmentally appropriate interventions.

This role emphasizes strong partnerships with caregivers, residential treatment staff, probation officers, courts and other community systems to ensure coordinated and holistic care. Therapists work collaboratively across disciplines to reduce barriers to access, advocate for equitable outcomes, and support youth and families towards the youth being returned to the family’s care.

Therapists are committed to advancing equity and practicing anti-racism by recognizing and addressing systemic disparities impacting youth and families. Services are delivered with cultural humility and inclusivity, ensuring all individuals—regardless of race, ethnicity, language, socioeconomic status, ability, gender identity, or family structure—feel valued, respected, and supported.

The Therapist utilizes a trauma-informed framework prioritizing safety, trust, collaboration and empowerment, recognizing the widespread impact of trauma on development and functioning.

Therapists maintain timely documentation, meets productivity and program expectations, participates in supervision and professional development, and upholds ethical and regulatory standards. The role requires flexibility, strong clinical judgment, and the ability to engage effectively with diverse populations in dynamic environments.

This role also requires the therapist to be part of the Campus Programs Restraint Authorization group, in which the therapist will learn about the impact of restrictive interventions and how to best support youth to avoid staff going hands on. Should a restraint be needed to ensure safety, the therapist will authorize restraints when it is clinically appropriate to do so.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive mental health services to youth and families, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and therapeutic intervention
• Deliver individual, family, and/or group therapy using evidence-based and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Conduct intake assessments, ongoing evaluations, and crisis intervention while prioritizing youth safety and stability.
• Utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities tailored to the strengths, identities, and needs of each child and family.

• Collaborate with families, schools, probation/foster care workers and community partners to coordinate care and support positive outcomes.
• Advocate for equitable access to services and resources, addressing barriers impacting youth and families.
• Participate in case-related meetings, interdisciplinary teams, and organization activities.

• Engage families as partners in treatment through education, coaching, and strengths-based support.
• Provide services in flexible manner for youth and to increase accessibility and engagement.

• Participate in supervision, team meetings, and ongoing professional development, including required training hours (minimum of 25 hours).
• Adhere to professional ethical standards and agency policies.
• Support agency initiatives, committees, and cross-functional collaboration efforts.
• Complete documentation according to both DABSJ and Network 180 standards for outpatient billing, when appropriate.
• Complete all required documentation in MISACWIS for Juvenile Justice youth and/or other agency clinical record keeping systems for other youth assigned.

Supervision Received: Specific Direction – Follows established work procedures. Receives periodic checks for performance. Refers unique questions/conditions to immediate supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities: No supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education requirements are a Master’s degree in Social Work or Counseling.
• Licensed to practice therapy in the state of Michigan (preferred) or actively working towards licensure.
• Must possess a strong knowledge of the common diagnoses and treatments for youth and possess the skills necessary to facilitate positive change.
• The ability to provide effective individual, family, and group therapy skills, possess a strong knowledge of community resources and support for youth and the skills necessary to facilitate and encourage positive change.
• Valid driver's license, good driving record and adequate insurance.
• Experience working in the foster care and/or juvenile justice system preferred.
• Must possess a strong knowledge of clinical issues related to systems involved youth and their families.

Core Competencies

• Working under Pressure: Ability to maintain composure and use healthy coping strategies when exposed to stress, while promoting a supportive environment that reduces unnecessary pressure and encourages collective problem‑solving.
• Communication: Ability to express and receive ideas clearly and respectfully using inclusive, accessible, and culturally aware communication methods; demonstrating active listening and adapting communication for diverse audiences and group sizes.
• Planning and Organizing: Ability to set priorities and allocate resources equitably, using inclusive planning methods to effectively achieve responsibilities and objectives while accommodating diverse work styles and needs.
• Integrity: Ability to adhere to organizational policies and procedures consistently and equitably, acting in a fair, transparent, and just manner while maintaining confidentiality and respecting individual dignity.
• Reliability: Ability to be dependable, trustworthy, and committed to high‑quality work by meeting expectations consistently while communicating proactively and honoring diverse needs and circumstances.
• Adaptability: Ability to adjust to changing work environments, priorities, or organizational needs with openness and flexibility, while supporting others through change and considering the varied impacts on individuals.
• Decision Making: Ability to select and commit to an effective and equitable course of action by understanding issues, comparing solutions transparently, considering impacts on all stakeholders, and drawing fair and informed conclusions.
• Cultural Responsiveness: Ability to recognize, respect, and adapt to cultural differences, promote equity and inclusion in all aspects of care.

Physical/Environmental Requirements:

• Mobility and Movement: Frequent ability to move between office, community locations, homes, schools, and court settings; includes walking, standing, sitting for extended periods, and navigating varied environments.
• Lifting & Physical Handling: Occasional lifting or carrying of items such as case files, required technology, or supplies (typically 10–25 lbs), and assisting children with basic physical support when appropriate.
• Technology & Documentation: Frequent use of computers, mobile devices, and case management systems; ability to complete documentation in a timely manner across varied environments.
• Communication: Regular clear verbal and written respectful communication in diverse environments; ability to hear and respond to children, caregivers, and colleagues; ability to observe nonverbal cues and environmental safety indicators.
• Driving & Transportation: Regular travel using a personal; ability to safely transport children and travel in varying weather and traffic conditions when appropriate. Maintain a valid driver’s license to meet agency driving eligibility requirements, including an acceptable driving record.
• Emotional and Psychological: Frequent exposure to sensitive, traumatic, or emotionally charged situations involving children and families; ability to maintain professionalism and emotional regulation.
• Safety Awareness & Crisis Response: Occasional ability to recognize safety risks, de-escalate situations, follow safety protocols, and respond appropriately during emergencies or high stress interactions.
• Environmental Conditions: Occasional entering diverse home environments that may include clutter, pets, smoke, allergens, or unpredictable conditions.
• Work Hours & Scheduling Flexibility: Frequent ability to have flexible scheduling required to meet family needs, which may include early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekends.
• Confidentiality & Professional Boundaries: Consistent adherence to confidentiality laws, ethical standards, and professional boundaries while working in homes, community settings, and agency offices.

DABSJ strives to be a fully inclusive organization as we support a diverse group of children and families. We are building a diverse team that represents our customers and our community and recognize that each of us brings a unique perspective to the organization. We welcome differing thoughts, faiths, beliefs, groups, and lived experiences. The diversity and differences of each team member, foster parent, adoptive parent, child, and family make us #DABSJstrongertogether for children and families.

DABSJ is an equal opportunity, at-will employer, and will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment. DABSJ does not discriminate on the basis of race, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks and twists; culture, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, height, weight, marital status, veteran status, socio-economic status, disability, or other legally-protected characteristics as required by law.

This job description does not list all duties of the job. Employees may be asked by management to perform other duties as needed. The Company reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and does not infringe upon the Company’s at will employment status.