Clinical Therapist / Intake Coordinator - PRTF

Job Description

Job Description

???? Clinical Therapist / Intake Coordinator – PRTF Program

???? Hamden, CT | ???? Full-Time | Exempt

Make a Difference Every Day

Since 1833, The Children's Center of Hamden has been dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families. We are seeking a passionate Clinical Therapist / Intake Coordinator to join our Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) Program—a role where your clinical expertise and compassion will directly impact the lives of youth with significant behavioral, emotional, and psychiatric needs.

Why Join Us?

At The Children's Center of Hamden, you'll be part of a collaborative, mission-driven team that values innovation, compassion, and professional growth.

• ???? Comprehensive Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness programs, employer-paid medical premium contributions, and Health Savings Account (HSA) funding.
• ????️ Generous Paid Time Off – Vacation, sick, personal days, and 13 paid holidays.
• ???? Retirement & Long-Term Security – 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions.
• ???? Professional Growth & Development – Interest-free tuition loans, CEU-accredited training, and opportunities for career advancement.
• ???? Supportive, Mission-Driven Culture – Join a collaborative team where your work truly makes a difference for youth and families.
• ???? Sign-On Bonus – New team members receive a $4,000 sign-on bonus .

What You'll Do

As a Clinical Therapist / Intake Coordinator , you will:

• Coordinate the referral and admission process in a timely, responsive, and family-centered manner.
• Maintain communication with referral sources to strengthen partnerships and support consistent program utilization.
• Support sustained program census, with the goal of maintaining an average census of at least 25 youth.
• Review referral packets, intake documentation, and pre-admission materials to determine appropriateness for placement.
• Participate in pre-placement visits, admissions planning, and transition coordination.
• Collect, track, and report referral and admission data to evaluate responsiveness, utilization, and equitable access to services.
• Collaborate with program leadership to identify barriers to admission and improve access to care.
• Provide evidence-based individual, family, and group therapy tailored to youth with complex behavioral, emotional, and psychiatric needs.
• Coordinate psychiatric, psychological, and specialized assessments to support individualized treatment planning.
• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings, case reviews, diagnostic evaluations, and discharge planning.
• Maintain communication with DCF, juvenile courts, schools, hospitals, and community treatment providers.
• Protect the legal rights of youth and report suspected or confirmed abuse or neglect in accordance with state regulations.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation, including intake records, treatment plans, progress notes, case reviews, and discharge summaries.
• Facilitate the Master Treatment Plan process and monitor caseloads, medication updates, and informed consent documentation.
• Support Direct Care staff in managing youth behavior and maintaining a safe therapeutic environment.
• Deliver culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and individualized clinical care.
• Maintain required certifications, including CCG training, and safely implement physical restraint techniques when necessary.
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives through client outcome tracking and reporting.
• Maintain professional boundaries while fostering a safe, equitable, and inclusive environment.

What We're Looking For

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW), Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), or a related behavioral health field (MA/MS).
• Minimum of one year of relevant clinical experience, including training in child psychopathology and developmental psychology.
• Working knowledge of the DSM-5 and experience providing individual, family, and group therapy.
• Ability to obtain Connecticut clinical licensure (LMFT, LMFTA, LMSW, LCSW, LPC, or LPCA).
• Strong clinical assessment, documentation, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and family-centered care.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to perform light to moderate lifting, standing, walking, bending, and other physical activities as needed.
• Potential exposure to bodily fluids and environmental conditions common in residential treatment settings.
• Ability to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment for youth, families, and staff.

Join Our Team

If you're a licensed or license-eligible clinical professional ready to make a lasting impact on youth and families, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help us shape brighter futures for children in need.

???? The Children's Center of Hamden is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.