CLINICAL THERAPIST - PRTF

Clinical Therapist - 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 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. We offer

Comprehensive Benefits - Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, EAP, and wellness programs. On one medical plan option, The Children's Center covers 92% of the employee premium and contributes to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

Generous Paid Time Off - Vacation, sick, personal days, and 13 paid holidays.

Retirement & Long-Term Security - 401(k) plan with employer contributions to help you save for the future.

Professional Growth & Development - Interest-free tuition loans, ongoing 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.

What You'll Do

As a Clinical Therapist in the PRTF Program, you will provide individualized, family, and group therapy to youth in a structured residential setting, while collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary treatment team. You will:

• Deliver evidence-based therapy tailored to the complex behavioral, emotional, and psychiatric needs of youth.
• Coordinate psychiatric, psychological, and specialized assessments to inform individualized treatment planning.
• Participate in treatment team meetings, case reviews, diagnostic evaluations, and discharge planning conferences.
• Maintain consistent communication with internal and external stakeholders, including DCF, juvenile courts, schools, hospitals, and other treatment providers.
• Protect the legal rights of youth and promptly report any suspected or confirmed incidents of abuse or neglect.
• Review intake documentation, participate in pre-placement visits, and maintain accurate records for admissions, treatment team reviews, case conferences, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
• Facilitate the Master Treatment Plan process and review caseloads regularly, including updates on medication management and informed consent for changes.
• Support Direct Care Workers in managing youth behavior, fostering a safe and therapeutic residential environment.
• Promote culturally competent care, integrating trauma-informed approaches and individualized interventions.
• Maintain required certifications, including CCG training, and apply physical restraint techniques safely as needed.
• Contribute to quality improvement efforts by collecting and reporting client outcome data.
• Uphold agency policies, maintain professional boundaries, and foster 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 field (MA or MS in Social Services).
• Minimum of one year of relevant experience, with specialized training in child psychopathology and developmental psychology.
• Working knowledge of DSM-V and ability to engage clients in individual, family, and group therapy modalities.
• Ability to obtain clinical licensure (LMFT, LMFTA, LMSW, LCSW, LPC, LPCA) in the State of Connecticut.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to perform light to moderate lifting, standing, walking, bending, and other physical tasks as needed.
• Potential exposure to bodily fluids and other environmental hazards in a residential treatment setting.

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.