Therapist - Older Adolescent

WHO WE ARE:Annually serving over 1,400 youth and families, Lawrence Hall is a community-based organization committed to helping Chicago's youth, families, and communities heal from the adverse effects of childhood trauma. For more than 150 years, Lawrence Hall has been delivering high-quality care throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and is a statewide leader in highly effective, evidence-based, and innovative therapeutic treatment. Their core programs-Child and Family Treatment Center, Therapeutic Day School, Creative Therapies, Foster Care, TransitionalIndependent Living Program, Workforce Development, and Community Wellness-have met the changing and complex needs of youth and families by not only becoming more community based, but also by developing more preventative programs that help curb violence in Chicago's communities.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Under the direct supervision of the Clinical Services Manager or designated supervisor, the Older Adolescent Program (OAP) Therapist carries a caseload which includes youth in care aged 17-21 years old. The therapist is responsible for providing individual and group therapy services, including placement stabilization services, community based interventions, and in-home treatment. Due to the community based nature of the work, transportation of youth in agency or personal vehicles may be required. Treatment may also aim to help youth in care with the identification, development, and restoration of family and support networks. Treatment is trauma-focused, with common clinical concerns including treatment of trauma symptoms, attachment issues, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and reluctanceresistance to treatment. The therapist will also be involved with developing trainings and conducting consultation services with OAP employees to provide support & stabilization for the sites at which the youth reside. This position requires effective verbal communication with team members, community resources and young peoplefamilies, as well as ability to provide ongoing required written documentation. Therapist must have effective use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Lawrence Hall fosters a culture built upon four core values: Respect, Empowerment, Safety, and Teamwork. These values are deeply embedded within our organization's philosophy of trauma-informed care and directly influence every position. Must be able to effectively use both verbal and physical crisis intervention skills and techniques with individuals six (6) through twenty-one (21) years of age. Physical intervention skills require the ability to kneel and return to standing without assistance. Therapist must also maintain flexibility to adjust work schedules according to needs of the program. RESPONSIBILITIES:Carries a selected caseload of older adolescent youth in care (age 17-21) Rotates and travels across the Chicagoland area between Older Adolescent Program TLP and ILO sites to provide servicesFacilitate individual, group and family treatment modalities Formulates and frequently reviews treatment plans with supervisorAdministers ongoing screening tools to assess the functioning, needs, and progress of the youthPrepare required clinical documentation such as Mental Health Assessments, Individual Treatment Plans, and Quarterly Progress ReportsImplements an intentional trauma-focused treatment process that incorporates attachment theory, cognitive behavioral approaches, and strengthsskills based interventions Takes leadership in the planning and facilitation of clinical trainings for OAP teamWorks closely with other team members to meet the needs of youth in care, through participation in site team meetings, youth staffing meetings, and site supervisor meetings Provides support and teaches OAP team methods for managing clinical and crisis issuesAssists youth and employees to help create safety plans, and helps to initiate clinical consultation and services that aim to stabilize the youth's placement to reduce crisis and placement disruption Attends agency seminars and trainings to increase professional knowledge and skillsLiaison to DCFS or other agency (courts, school districts, hospitals, SASS, outside treatment providers, etc.), to communicate concerns, goals, progress, and treatment accomplishmentsOn call afterhours response to clinical crisis situations when they ariseDetermines with the team, needs for adjunctive community programs (schools, recreation, jobs, vocational opportunities, medical, etc.)Locates and evaluates resources as needed; works closely with case management team to facilitate referrals for supportive servicesLiaisonfacilitator in community, police and neighborhood situationsParticipates in psychotropic medication reviewsDocuments all provided services as required by agency policyUses active and reflective listening skills and affirmations to demonstrate respect and empathy, avoiding negative and derogatory labels that foster disrespectUnderstand that behaviors, responses, attitudes, and emotions are a collection of survival skills often developed in response to traumatic experiencesMaintain confidentiality of employees, volunteers, and program participants to provide a safe environment Attend at least two trainings related to being trauma informed in a twelve month periodAbility to work effectively with program participants and family members, employees and vendors in a culturally diverse environment to support healing and recoveryMaintains electronic calendar to provide accounting for daily activities and provides permissions for viewing to the appropriate individualsPerforms the above tasks under close weekly support, supervision, training, and direction of the clinical services manager or designated supervisorKnowledge of basic computer skills and ability to communicate effectively via emailMaintain a professional standard when representing the agency or young peopleOther duties as assignedQUALIFICATIONS:Master's or Doctorate degree in Social Work or related Human Service field with LSW or LPC upon hire. LCSW or LCPC required upon eligibility. Knowledge of childhood trauma and prior experience working in settings with youth and families that have been exposed to trauma or experiencing traumatic stress preferredKnowledge of youth development, adolescent issues, positive youth developmentstrength based approach preferredPersonal vehicle or access to vehicle and proof of insurance Valid Illinois Driver's license No history of child abuse or neglect Ability to pass background and drug screenBenefits and Perks that Support YouTime Off Benefits (PTO): Employees receive an average of 17-25 days of PTO, including vacation, paid leave, and sick time, in addition to 9 paid holidays.Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans are available for employees, spousesdomestic partners, and child dependents.Wellness Reimbursement: Employees can receive up to $20 per month towards wellness-related subscriptionsmemberships.Retirement Savings: Our 401(k) plan includes a 100% employer match on contributions up to 3% after one year of service.Supplemental Insurance: Coverage options include Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, and Short-Term & Long-Term Disability for employees and their families.Life & AD&D Insurance: Full-time employees receive term life insurance equal to twice their salary at no muter Benefits: Pre-tax options are available to help cover parking and transit expenses.Employee Assistance Program (EAP): A free and confidential resource providing support for personal and work-related challenges.Employee Referral Program: Employees can earn up to $1,500 for referring successful candidates.Tuition & Loan Assistance: Lawrence Hall is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.Frequently cited statistics show that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the necessary skills and abilities. Lawrence Hall encourages you to apply even if you do not have experience in all areas of essential functions. We look forward to your application.This position meets the FLSA requirements for Exempt.

Created: 2025-02-14