Child and Family Therapist

Ma'at Child and Family Therapist

Homeless Children's Network's mission is to decrease the trauma of homelessness and domestic violence for children, youth, and families; to empower families; and to increase the effectiveness of collaborative efforts among service providers to end homelessness and poverty. Since 1992, HCN has empowered San Francisco's underserved and historically marginalized communities citywide toward a brighter future with love, wholeness, and healing.

Since 1992, HCN has been San Francisco's leading nonprofit agency for comprehensive early intervention and mental health support for underserved and historically marginalized children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or living in intergenerational poverty. Our mobile therapeutic model is both accessible and scalable, enabling clinicians to meet clients directly in the community. As the hub of a Collaborative of 60+ service agencies and community-based organizations, we serve over 2,500 clients each year, reaching those most reluctant to trust conventional mental health systems. Central to our work is our Afri-centric mental health and wellness model. This community-defined approach addresses health inequities and the persistent cycle of racism and trauma over generations. This model not only uplifts the Black/African American communities but also strengthens the behavioral health outcomes of all San Franciscans, fostering resilience, healing, and lasting change.

The Ma'at Program is HCN's Afri-centric clinical and community wellness initiative designed to support children, youth, and families in San Francisco with culturally grounded mental health services, case coordination, healing-centered engagement, and community connection. Rooted in the principles of balance, truth, order, reciprocity, and harmony, Ma'at integrates Black cultural knowledge, trauma-informed care, and community-defined best practices to honor the lived experiences of families impacted by generational trauma, racism, displacement, and poverty.

The program provides clinical services—including therapy, family work, and emotional wellness support—delivered in community settings, homes, schools, and transitional or permanent supportive housing sites. Ma'at staff work closely with families to address emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges, while strengthening protective factors, enhancing resilience, and supporting overall wellbeing. With an emphasis on trust, cultural affirmation, and genuine partnership, the Ma'at Program uplifts families through holistic healing, community connection, and resource access.

The Ma'at Child and Family Therapist provides assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and their families experiencing emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges. This role focuses on strengthening family systems, promoting healthy development, and supporting clients in achieving emotional well-being.

The therapist utilizes evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices while collaborating with caregivers, schools, and community partners. Responsibilities include developing individualized treatment plans, conducting individual and family therapy sessions, maintaining accurate clinical documentation, and participating in multidisciplinary team meetings. The Child and Family Therapist upholds ethical and professional standards and advocates for the best interests of children and families.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments for children, adolescents, and families
• Diagnose mental health and behavioral disorders in accordance with DSM guidelines (as applicable)
• Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized, family-centered treatment plans
• Provide individual, family, and group therapy using evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches
• Support children and caregivers in addressing emotional regulation, behavior concerns, trauma, attachment, and relational issues
• Collaborate with parents, guardians, and caregivers to strengthen parenting skills and family functioning
• Coordinate care with schools, medical providers, social services, and other community partners
• Monitor client progress and adjust interventions based on clinical outcomes
• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential clinical documentation in compliance with legal, ethical, and agency standards
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case consultations, and clinical supervision
• Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and mandated reporting when required
• Advocate for children and families to ensure access to appropriate resources and services
• Deliver culturally responsive and inclusive services that respect diversity and family values
• Comply with professional ethics, licensing requirements, and continuing education standards

Required Qualifications:

• Obtained at least a Master's Degree, especially in Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Social Work/Social Welfare, Marriage and Family Therapy, or similarly related field
• Experienced and knowledgeable in child development, especially in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, POC) families and communities; Familiar with resources and communities in San Francisco.
• Registered with the Board of Behavioral Science (BBS) or active in the registration process - need to provide documentation by phone screen stage.
• License-eligible or licensed in California
• Preferably experienced in provision of therapy through EPSDT (MediCal)
• Working knowledge/experience related to issues of homelessness and domestic violence
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Positive attitude and team play with proven ability to work with people of different intersecting identities.

Of all the above important qualifications, bring the heartfelt quality of compassion, with exquisite cultural responsiveness as a primary guiding quality, not only of your professional life, but of what you hold dear.

Please bring a strong analysis of how race, ethnicity, culture, language, region, poverty, sexual and gender identity, age, education, opportunities and resources generationally made available or not, and systemic oppressions impact a person's mental health.

Please have stories of your own life and how you have been a mover and shaker to transform these systems.

Please accept that HCN is a vibrant community that has a legacy that is of interest to you, and is also prompted to grow steadily, and with the respect of what has been done well central in the conversation.