Part-time Residential Therapist

Safe Families; Evanston (IL); Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

Lydia Home Association in Evanston seeks a part-time QMHP to provide group therapy and crisis intervention for youth in a residential setting. The role emphasizes trauma-informed care, collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, and ongoing clinical documentation.

The position requires a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field and direct experience with children and adolescents. Commitment to the mission and program integrity is essential.

Qualifications

• Must be a QMHP with a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field.
• Direct clinical experience with children and adolescents.
• Experience managing and responding to behavioral health crises.
• Strong therapeutic, organizational, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to implement therapeutic interventions and maintain boundaries.
• Timely documentation and collaboration within a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to support Lydia Home Association mission.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate psychoeducational, skills-based, and therapeutic groups for youth in residential units.
• Develop and implement curricula focusing on emotional regulation, trauma recovery, and life skills.
• Provide therapeutic support and crisis intervention for youth in crises.
• Collaborate with residential staff and treatment team to assess risk and de-escalate crises.
• Consult with staff on trauma-informed care and behavior management strategies.
• Assist with treatment strategy reinforcement across units and safety planning.
• Complete Medicaid-compliant documentation and group notes in a timely manner.
• Participate in ongoing clinical projects and trainings within the program.
• Support development and expansion of therapeutic curricula and resources.

Skills

Therapeutic skills

Organizational skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Crisis management

Collaboration

Education

Master's or Doctoral degree in psychology/social work/counseling or related field

Tools

Electronic health record (EHR) systems

Medicaid-compliant documentation systems

Job description

Hours:

24 hours per week (Three 8-hour shifts, typically 10:00 AM–6:00 PM or 11:00 AM–7:00 PM). Preferred schedules include Friday–Sunday or Saturday–Monday; alternative weekday schedules may be considered based on program needs and supervisory availability.

Minimum Requirements:

Must be a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) and possess a master's or doctoral degree from an accredited school of psychology, social work, counseling, or an equivalent human services field.

Must have previous direct clinical experience working with children and adolescents.

Must have demonstrated experience managing and responding to behavioral health crises.

Must possess strong therapeutic, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.

Must demonstrate the ability to implement therapeutic interventions, maintain appropriate professional boundaries, complete documentation in a timely manner, and work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary treatment team.

Must be willing and able to support the mission of Lydia Home Association (LHA).

Responsibilities/Expectations:

Facilitate psychoeducational, skills-based, and therapeutic groups for youth residing across multiple residential units.

Develop, adapt, and implement group curricula focused on emotional regulation, coping skills, trauma recovery, social skills, life skills, attachment, communication, and other identified treatment needs.

Provide therapeutic support and crisis intervention services to youth experiencing emotional, behavioral, or psychiatric crises.

Collaborate with residential staff, therapists, supervisors, and other treatment team members to assess risk, de-escalate crises, and develop appropriate intervention plans.

Provide consultation and support to residential staff regarding trauma-informed care, behavior management strategies, and therapeutic interventions.

Assist with the implementation and reinforcement of treatment strategies and behavior support plans across residential units.

Participate in safety planning and crisis response efforts as needed throughout the residential program.

Complete Medicaid-compliant documentation, group notes, crisis intervention notes, and other required clinical documentation in a timely manner.

Assist with ongoing clinical projects and initiatives designed to enhance services and support the therapeutic milieu.

Support the development, revision, and expansion of therapeutic curricula, psychoeducational materials, and clinical resources.

Assist in organizing and maintaining therapeutic spaces, materials, and clinical resources utilized throughout the residential program.

Support management of virtual clinical resources, electronic documentation systems, and other program-wide clinical tools.

Participate in program development efforts related to the integration of therapeutic principles and evidence-based practices.

Actively engage in trainings and consultations related to the Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC)

Framework, Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Therapy (SMART), trauma-informed care, and other agency- supported treatment models.

Participate in ongoing training programs at Lydia Home and conduct trainings when assigned.

Attend clinical consultations, treatment team meetings, staffings, and other meetings as assigned.

Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including educational personnel, service providers, and caregivers, when clinically appropriate and authorized.

Maintain current QMHP and/or professional licensure and certification requirements as applicable.

Participate in quality assurance and quality improvement activities.

Participate in formal and informal supervision, including individual and group supervision sessions.

Be familiar with and follow agency and residential policies and procedures. Comply with mandated reporting requirements, confidentiality standards, HIPAA regulations, and all applicable licensing and accreditation requirements.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Lydia Home Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.