Behavioral Health Therapist - 2nd Shift

Alternatives, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading community-based youth service organization seeks a Behavioral Health Therapist to provide therapy and case management services primarily to youth and families. This role requires a Master's degree in Social Work or a related field and a preferred clinical licensure. Candidates must demonstrate effective communication, cultural competency, and a commitment to working with high-risk youth. A flexible schedule from 12pm to 8pm is required. The organization emphasizes trauma-informed practices and positive youth development.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Social Work or related field required.
• Clinical licensure in field of study preferred (LCSW, LCPC).
• Spanish speaking preferred.
• Past experience working with youth is essential.
• Knowledge of adolescent/family dynamics and trauma issues required.
• Past experience working with youth.
• Knowledge of adolescent/family dynamics, substance abuse and trauma issues.
• Cultural competency with Black/Latinx and LGBTQ+ youth.
• Commitment to community-based youth services; anti-oppression and restorative justice frameworks.
• COVID vaccine is mandatory where allowed by law.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct therapy and case management services to youth and families.
• Conduct therapeutic groups on various topics.
• Maintain accurate written documentation of all services provided.
• Support relationships with assigned schools regarding students' needs.
• Collaborate with schools and interdisciplinary teams on social-emotional needs.
• Maintain complete, accurate written documentation of services.
• Participate in agency meetings, staffings, and supervision.
• Demonstrate knowledge of agency policies and services.
• Support trauma-informed practices and positive youth development.

Skills

Effective verbal and written communication skills

Cultural competency with Black/Latinx and LGBTQ+ youth

Interest and commitment to community-based work

Skills in working with high-risk youth

Positive Youth Development

Restorative Justice

Spanish language

Youth-focused work

Education

Master’s Degree in Social Work or related field

Clinical licensure (LCSW, LCPC) preferred

Job description

Description

Position Overview

The Behavioral Health Therapist will provide direct therapy and case management services to youth and families, with a primary service window of 12p-8p to meet after‑school and evening demand.

Responsibilities:

Perform the following from a racial, gender, sexuality, and ability equity lens:

• Average the number of billable hours of direct service per week as directed by the supervisor in the work plan (minimum 19).
• Perform a variety of therapy, assessment, and case management services.
• Provide assessment, treatment, and training services at community locations/schools
• Conduct therapeutic groups on a variety of topics
• Support and facilitate relationships with assigned schools, including participation in an interdisciplinary team within the school or other community locations regarding social emotional needs of students.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely written documentation of all services provided.
• Actively participate in all agency meetings, behavioral health staffings, and supervision.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Alternatives, Inc. policies, practices, and services.
• Demonstrate a commitment to Positive Youth Development, Restorative Justice and Trauma Informed practices.
• Complete in a timely fashion all other tasks as assigned by the Behavioral Health Supervisor.

Requirements

Qualifications:

1. Master’s Degree in Social Work or related field.
2. Clinical licensure in field of Study Preferred (LCSW, LCPC)
3. Spanish speaking preferred
4. Effective verbal and written communication skills
5. Ability to work between 12:00pm to 8:00pm M-F
6. Past experience working with youth.
7. Knowledge of adolescent/family dynamics, substance abuse and trauma issues.
8. Cultural competency with Black/Latinx and LGBTQ+ youth.
9. Interest and commitment to working in a community‑based youth service agency.
10. Skilled at working with young people at high risk for juvenile justice and child welfare system involvement
11. Consistently learning and working within the following frameworks: Anti‑oppression, Positive Youth Development, Trauma‑informed and Balanced and Restorative Justice.
12. Committed to working in a community‑based, youth‑centered organization, with flexibility, cultural responsiveness, and a high level of professionalism and confidentiality
13. The COVID vaccine is mandatory for all employees to the full extent permissible under applicable law.