Clinical Therapist

The Role:

The Clinical Therapist is responsible for providing professional clinical services including assessments, interventions, consultations, crisis intervention and psycho-social-educational therapeutic services to children, youth, families and caregivers served by SOS Children’s Villages Illinois (SOS Illinois).

Responsibilities:

• Complete Mental Health Assessments (MHA) and Individual Treatment Plans (ITP) for all assigned clients and make appropriate service recommendations to case management staff and to the Director of Clinical Services.
• Provide individual, family and group therapy to assigned clients in order to achieve the goals outlined in the client service plan and ITP.
• Prepare quarterly progress reports for clients as well as information for service plans and Court reports as required by DCFS and SOS Illinois.
• Assist staff and caregivers to appropriately respond to and resolve crisis issues as they arise. Includes on call responsibilities.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and confidential clinical progress notes, treatment plans and files as required by SOS Illinois and in compliance with Medicaid Part 132 for all assigned clients and families.
• Input Medicaid information into required database and participate in all aspects of Medicaid submission, file audits and training when necessary.
• Provide consultation to foster and biological parents and case managers to ensure adequate understanding of the therapeutic needs of the child and appropriate interventions and behavior management techniques.
• Participate in quarterly Child and Family Team Meetings (CFTM) and other client related staffings to provide prepared input regarding the client’s clinical progress and service needs.
• Collaborate with caregivers, SOS Illinois case managers, DCFS, school personnel, court personnel, psychologists, psychiatrists and medical physicians.
• Participate in professional clinical supervision, at a minimum of once monthly for licensed clinicians and once weekly for unlicensed clinicians.
• Provide clinical and professional supervision and monitoring (leadership) as assigned by the Director of Clinical Services to unlicensed clinical staff and interns.
• May include completion of student evaluations and/or other documentation.
• Attend required staff meetings, agency meetings, supervision and other meetings/events as requested.
• Participate in ongoing professional development workshops and seminars as required by the organization and other governing bodies.
• Maintain regular contact with the Director of Clinical Services regarding programmatic issues and service documentation as assigned.
• Prepare and submit reports and other documentation as required by the Director of Clinical Services.
• Develop workshops (or groups) and presentations to address the needs of SOS Illinois clients, substitute caregivers and the community.
• Comply with all SOS Illinois policies, state, federal, county and city laws, rules and regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• A Masters of Social Work from an accredited program, or relevant Masters Degree, and a minimum of two years’ experience in clinical services, preferably with children and youth.
  LCSW or LCPC preferred
• Valid Illinois driver’s license with an acceptable driving record, and insured and reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass the required DCFS criminal background check, including child abuse and sexual offender registries.
• Ability to work with DCFS, courts, and other social service systems.
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Strong organization and coordination skills.
• Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and staff.
• Ability to relate to the clients and staff and to the public in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability and willingness to travel to all agency sites as well as various community locations (may include home visits and travel to other parts of the state).
• Reliable, punctual, and able to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work in a tobacco, alcohol, drug, and firearm-free environment.
• Ability to exercise discretion and judgment.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential materials.
• Ability to work flexible hours (may include evenings and weekends)
• Commitment to SOS Illinois philosophy and mission.