Therapist

Job Description

Job Description

Therapist

Department: Clinical
Reports To: Clinical Supervisor
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employment Type: Full-Time, 40 hours per week
Work Schedule: Hybrid Schedule — 3 days in office and 2 remote days per week

Position Summary

Whaley Children’s Center is seeking a compassionate, trauma-informed, and fully licensed Therapist to provide clinical services to youth living in a residential treatment setting. This position plays a key role in helping children who have experienced profound abuse, neglect, trauma, and instability receive the therapeutic support they need to heal, grow, and work toward long-term success.

The Therapist is responsible for providing individual, family, and group therapy; developing and maintaining treatment plans; completing required clinical documentation; and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to support the emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs of youth in care. This position requires strong clinical judgment, effective communication, and the ability to work collaboratively with youth, families, staff, DHHS, courts, schools, and other community partners.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related clinical field from an accredited university.
• Must be fully licensed in the State of Michigan as one of the following:
  • Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW; or
  • Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC.
• Valid Michigan driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to the agency’s insurance carrier.
• Ability to meet State of Michigan “Good Moral Character” guidelines.
• At least one year of experience working with children in a clinical setting is required.
• Experience with trauma-based clinical interventions and working with survivors of abuse and neglect is preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Therapist will be responsible for the following:

• Develop and maintain therapeutic relationships with youth and their families.
• Provide individual, family, and group therapy with an emphasis on trauma-informed interventions.
• Develop, update, and monitor treatment plans in accordance with state licensing requirements, DHHS contracts, agency policies, and the needs of each youth.
• Participate in case review meetings and collaborate with the multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Maintain consistent communication with parents and guardians regarding treatment goals, progress, and ongoing needs.
• Communicate and coordinate services with DHHS, foster care and adoptive caseworkers, schools, court personnel, CASA workers, and other community organizations.
• Complete clinical documentation, assessments, case notes, treatment summaries, and related records in a timely and accurate manner.
• Provide psychoeducation to youth, families, staff, educators, DHHS workers, and other involved parties.
• Assist with crisis intervention when clinically appropriate.
• Make referrals to Child Protective Services when necessary and follow mandated reporter requirements.
• Participate in clinical supervision, team meetings, case consultations, required trainings, and staff development opportunities.
• Provide consultation and documentation to court personnel and outside sources as needed.
• Provide transportation as needed for court hearings, family visits, appointments, or other youth-related needs.
• Maintain all annual training requirements, including CPR certification and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention certification.
• Participate in the on-call rotation or provide on-call resources as assigned.
• Complete additional duties as assigned by the President/CEO, Chief Program Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and/or Clinical Supervisor.

Required Skills and Abilities

Successful candidates should demonstrate the following:

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care and therapeutic interventions for youth.
• Ability to build trust and maintain appropriate therapeutic relationships with children and families.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external community partners.
• Cultural competency and sensitivity to the unique needs and diverse experiences of youth and families.
• A nonjudgmental, patient, flexible, and creative approach to clinical care.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to complete documentation within required timelines.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and clinically appropriate during crisis situations.
• Ability to model self-advocacy, emotional regulation, and assertive communication.
• Physical ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods, occasionally lift, carry, and/or push up to 25 pounds, and successfully complete required Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training.

Work Environment

This is a full-time hybrid position working 40 hours per week. The Therapist is expected to work 3 days per week in office and may work 2 days remotely, based on agency needs, client needs, documentation requirements, and supervisor approval.

Because this position serves youth in a residential treatment setting, some flexibility may be required to attend meetings, respond to youth needs, complete required documentation, participate in crisis support, or coordinate services with families and community partners.

About Whaley Children’s Center

Whaley Children’s Center provides care, treatment, and support to youth who have experienced abuse, neglect, trauma, and other significant life challenges. Our team is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and trauma-informed environment where youth can heal, grow, and build the skills needed for a brighter future.

Whaley Children’s Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Whaley Children’s Center is a mental health and behavior stabilization program dedicated to providing hope, care, and healing for youth who have experienced abuse, neglect, trauma, and other significant life challenges. Through trauma-informed treatment, compassionate support, and a dedicated team of professionals, Whaley helps youth build stability, develop life skills, and work toward brighter futures.

Company Description

Whaley Children’s Center is a mental health and behavior stabilization program dedicated to providing hope, care, and healing for youth who have experienced abuse, neglect, trauma, and other significant life challenges. Through trauma-informed treatment, compassionate support, and a dedicated team of professionals, Whaley helps youth build stability, develop life skills, and work toward brighter futures.