Child Development and Prevention Therapist

The Ness Center; Mandeville (LA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ness Center in Louisiana is seeking a Child Development & Prevention Therapist to provide clinical services and developmental support to children in the PPW program, using a trauma-informed, family-centered approach.

You will deliver individual and group therapy, coordinate child-focused prevention and parenting education, document progress, and collaborate with the PPW team to support families during treatment. A Master’s degree and an active Louisiana license are required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or Psychology
• Current, active Louisiana clinical license as an LCSW, LMSW, PLPC, or LPC
• 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
• BLS certification or willingness to complete company-provided training

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Communication skills

Documentation

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master's degree in Social Work / Counseling / Psychology

Job description

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].