Crisis Therapist

thecompasscenter; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Solace is a nonprofit organization in Sioux Falls seeking a Crisis Therapist to provide trauma-focused outpatient therapy for children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced violence or trauma.

You will maintain a diverse clinical caseload, design evidence-based interventions, and collaborate with the Clinical Director to coordinate care and ensure ethical, confidential practice. This full-time, exempt role requires a master’s degree and SD licensure eligibility.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field.
• Licensed, license-eligible, or actively pursuing licensure in South Dakota (LPC/LPC-MH, LCSW/LCSW-PIP, LMFT or equivalent).
• Minimum of one year of clinical or therapeutic experience.
• Experience with trauma-informed therapy and ACEs knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-focused individual and group therapy for clients across the lifespan.
• Develop individualized treatment plans and monitor client progress over time.
• Utilize evidence-based modalities such as EMDR, CBT, TF-CBT, or play-based interventions.
• Coordinate care with internal advocates, crisis staff, and caregivers to ensure holistic services.
• Maintain an outpatient caseload with appropriate clinical pacing, documentation, and confidentiality.
• Engage in supervision, training, and professional development in trauma recovery practices.

Skills

Trauma-informed practice

Crisis intervention

Communication skills

Lifespan therapy

Education

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

SD licensure eligibility (LPC/LCSW/LMFT)

Job description

Position: Crisis Therapist Type: Full Time, Salaried, Exempt Reports To: Clinical Director Work Location: 2210 S Brown Place, Sioux Falls, SD 57105

Solace is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering individuals and families as they navigate their unique journeys toward emotional well-being, resilience, and hope. The Crisis Therapist provides trauma-focused outpatient therapy for children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced violence, abuse, neglect, or other forms of trauma. The Therapist maintains a diverse clinical caseload while designing and implementing effective, evidence-based, and developmentally appropriate treatment interventions reflective of survivor needs. This position works under the direction of the Clinical Director and coordinates care with advocacy and support services as appropriate. The ideal candidate is deeply knowledgeable in trauma recovery, crisis response, and trauma-informed clinical practice, and is passionate about helping survivors of all ages rebuild trust, restore safety, and move toward lifelong healing.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Trauma-Focused Therapy Across the Lifespan (Approximately 80%)

• Provide trauma-informed individual and group therapy for clients.
• Conduct clinical assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, and monitor client progress over time.
• Utilize evidence-based modalities such as EMDR, CBT, TF-CBT, play-based interventions, or other trauma-focused approaches.
• Provide culturally responsive, strengths-based therapeutic support tailored to survivor needs and developmental stage.
• Maintain an outpatient caseload with appropriate clinical pacing, documentation, and ethical care standards.

Clinical Coordination & Professional Support (Approximately 5-10%)

• Coordinate care with internal advocates, crisis staff, caregivers (when appropriate), and community support to ensure survivors receive holistic services.
• Consult with the Clinical Director for guidance, case review, and ethical decision-making support.
• Participate in supervision, training, and professional development opportunities focused on trauma recovery and best practices.
• Support survivor access to wraparound resources while maintaining strong clinical boundaries and confidentiality.

Training & Crisis Intervention (Approximately 5-10%)

• Provide trauma-informed crisis intervention for children, youth, and adults utilizing walk-in or urgent support services.
• Respond to disclosures of interpersonal violence with professionalism, compassion, and clinical skills.
• Develop and maintain expertise in trauma-informed care, domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and human trafficking.
• Work toward certification as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) or equivalent specialized credential, as supported by Solace.
• Model healthy boundaries, self-care, and emotional regulation skills while maintaining confidentiality in community and digital spaces.

Administrative Responsibilities (Approximately 5%)

• Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation in compliance with agency standards and funding requirements.
• Strictly adhere to confidentiality, safety protocols, and ethical guidelines.
• Participate in evaluation and continuous improvement of therapy programming.
• Support outreach and communication efforts related to therapy services as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Clinical Director or Executive Director.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education & Licensure

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field required.
• Licensed, license-eligible, or actively pursuing licensure in South Dakota, including:
  • LPC / LPC-MH
  • LCSW / LCSW-PIP
  • LMFT
  • or equivalent
• A full-time therapist commonly schedules 20 to 25 client appointments per week.

Experience

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience providing clinical or therapeutic services.
• Demonstrated experience or training in trauma-informed therapy.
• Experience working with children and/or adolescents preferred.
• Knowledge of ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and the impact of trauma exposure across developmental stages.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Specialized training in EMDR, TF-CBT, play therapy, crisis intervention, or other evidence-based trauma modalities.
• Experience working with clients across the lifespan, including:
  • Children (ages 3-12)
  • Adolescents (ages 13-17)
  • Adults (ages 18+)
  • Experience providing therapy services to children, youth, and families in addition to adult clients.
  • Experience working in victim advocacy, family services, or trauma-informed nonprofit programs.
  • Familiarity with survivor support systems, community resources, and crime victim compensation processes.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Trauma-Informed Practice - Applies trauma-responsive principles to clinical care and survivor support.
• Decision-Making & Problem Solving - Exercises sound clinical and ethical judgment under pressure.
• Developmentally Appropriate Care - Adapts therapeutic approaches across age groups.
• Professional Communication & Coordination - Communicates effectively with supervisors, staff, and support systems to enhance care.
• Resilience & Adaptability - Navigates complex clinical situations with flexibility and composure.
• Documentation & Clinical Accountability - Maintains accurate records and meets professional standards of care.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates in a fast-paced, trauma-informed outpatient clinical setting. Regular interaction with clients, families, professionals, and community partners is required. Standard office equipment (computers, phones, copiers) is routinely used.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.
• Frequent standing, walking, and use of hands for clinical and documentation tasks.
• Visual acuity for reading, computer work, and data entry.
• Occasional lifting of office supplies up to 20 pounds.

This is a full-time, exempt position with a 40-hour core workweek. Some flexibility in scheduling based on client and program needs.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Occasional travel, primarily within Sioux Falls. Overnight travel may occur for conferences or training.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Solace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, height, weight, or marital status in employment or service provision.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is not intended to cover all responsibilities but provides a general overview of expectations. Duties may evolve or be assigned as needed to support Solace's mission.