Child Development and Prevention Therapist

Northlake Behavioral Health System; Mandeville (LA); Presencial; USD 52.000 - 80.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Northlake Behavioral Health System’s Ness Center seeks a Child Development & Prevention Therapist to deliver individual and group therapy to children in the PPW program. The role uses trauma-informed, family-centered approaches to support mothers in treatment.

The ideal candidate has strong experience with child development, trauma, and substance use, and holds a Louisiana clinical license. The position is full-time and based at The Ness Center in Louisiana.

Formación

• Trauma-informed care experience and understanding of trauma impact.
• Experience with evidence-based approaches in child and family therapy.
• LA licensure as LCSW, LMSW, PLPC, or LPC is required or eligible.
• Strong written and verbal communication, documentation, and organization.

Responsabilidades

• Provide individual and group therapy addressing children’s developmental, emotional, and trauma-related needs.
• Coordinate child-focused prevention education and parenting education groups.
• Model nurturing parenting techniques to strengthen parent-child bonding.
• Support children’s emotional regulation through trauma-informed interventions.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation as needed.
• Observe and document children’s progress and referrals.
• Support childcare programming and assist with staffing during services.
• Coordinate with PPW Manager, nurse, and clinical team on referrals and family support.
• Maintain confidentiality and complete required clinical documentation.

Conocimientos

Trauma-informed care

Substance use

Child development

Communication

Educación

Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or Psychology

Herramientas

BLS certification

Descripción del empleo

Position Title: Child Development & Prevention Therapist

Facility: The Ness Center

Status: Full Time, Exempt

Position Summary

The Child Development & Prevention Therapist provides clinical services and developmental support to children participating in The Ness Center’s Pregnant and Postpartum Women’s (PPW) Program. Using a trauma-informed, family-centered approach, this position provides individual and group therapy, child-focused prevention, and parenting support while helping create a safe, nurturing environment for children as their mothers participate in treatment. The ideal candidate has a passion for working with children and families and understands the impact of trauma, maternal substance use, and early childhood development.

Essential Duties

• Provide individual and group therapy addressing children’s developmental, emotional, behavioral, and trauma-related needs within the scope of professional credentials and licensure.

• Provide child-focused prevention education and coordinate parenting education, including assigned evidence-based curricula and groups.

• Model and coach nurturing parenting techniques that strengthen parent-child bonding and healthy attachment.

• Support children’s emotional regulation, development, and well-being through trauma-informed interventions and milieu support.

• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation for children and residents as needed.

• Observe and document children’s progress, developmental needs, interventions, and referrals.

• Support childcare programming and provide hands‑on caregiving assistance as needed to maintain appropriate coverage during scheduled services.

• Coordinate with the PPW Manager, nurse, clinical team, and separate Children’s Coordinator on developmental referrals, pediatric care, and family support.

• Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and required clinical documentation; complete incident reports and mandated reports as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or Psychology

• Current, active Louisiana clinical license as an LCSW, LMSW, PLPC, or LPC.

• Previous experience in trauma-informed care and substance use

• Knowledge of child development, child and family therapy, maternal mental health, substance use, and trauma-informed care.

• Strong communication, documentation, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or willingness and ability to complete company-provided training.

This is an opportunity to use your clinical skills to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families during an important period of change and recovery.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligible employer as a 501(c)(3) non-profit

Equal Opportunity Employer

Northlake Behavioral Health System and The Ness Center are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or class.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability. Applicants are entitled to reasonable accommodations, absent undue hardship, to effectively participate in the application and hiring process. For accommodation requests, please contact [e-mail].