Therapist

BUILD Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with 2% match

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Life insurance

Paid vacation

Wellness days

Flexible spending account

Job summary

BUILD, Inc. on Chicago’s West Side is seeking a licensed or licensure‑eligible clinician to provide mental health and substance use services to high‑risk youth. You will conduct clinical assessments, deliver trauma‑informed counseling, and coordinate with partners to support holistic youth development.

The role emphasizes collaboration, case management, and ongoing program evaluation within a mission‑driven team committed to equity and community impact.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work; licensure (LCSW/LCPC) in progress or achieved.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience with inner-city youth.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data collection systems.

Responsibilities

• Assess mental health/substance use needs via clinical assessment.
• Provide client-centered, trauma-informed counseling.
• Establish referral partners and coordinate collaborations.
• Deliver 1:1, family, or group counseling.
• Develop treatment plans and monitor progress.
• Provide case management and connect clients to services.
• Support crisis intervention by the Intervention Team.
• Maintain program records and report outcomes.
• Attend meetings and adhere to ETO and vaccination policy.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Clinical assessment

Trauma-informed care

Case management

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in Social Work

Tools

Microsoft Office

Data collection & evaluation

Job description

BUILD, Inc. (Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development) is a nationally respected gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development organization based on Chicago’s West Side. Since 1969, BUILD has worked to save lives and mentor young people who live in the city’s most challenged neighborhoods. When you work at BUILD you make an important difference to the thousands of youth and families we serve. Our Core Values are Empathy, Passion, Persistence, and Innovation.

Responsibilities

• Effectively address the mental health/substance abuse needs of high‑risk youth through clinical assessment for youth referred to BUILD programs as well as in‑field support and consultation.
• Provide a client‑centered and strength‑based approach to treating youth and families.
• Establish mental‑health/substance‑abuse referral partners and identify opportunities for more formal collaboration.
• Facilitate 1:1, family, and/or group counseling for clients who require mental‑health support.
• Receive case assignments, establish treatment plans, review case progress, and determine case closure through the supervisor of the assigned program.
• Provide mental‑health services to participants through a holistic and trauma‑informed lens.
• Make referrals in accordance with service plans to other organization units and external providers.
• Provide case management and connect clients to internal and external services.
• Assist members of the Intervention Team during crisis situations involving youth.
• Maintain current knowledge in the field, including attendance at seminars, workshops, and other professional development opportunities.
• Support staff in identifying youth mental‑health issues, providing support, and referring youth to community partners that offer more intensive services.
• Attend departmental and agency‑wide staff meetings and agency‑wide events as scheduled or required.
• Document and report program activities and outcomes, and ensure progress toward annual program objectives.
• Submit statistics and reports to corresponding managers on a bi‑weekly, monthly, or other required basis.
• Maintain file compliance as required and comply with the ETO.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Social Work or a related mental‑health field.
• Working toward or holding licensure (LCSW/LCPC) is required.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with inner‑city youth.
• Operate professionally in the field on a flexible schedule, including late evenings and weekends.
• Proficiency with technology (Microsoft Office) and integration of technology into daily program operations and evaluation systems.
• Solid understanding of data collection and program evaluation.
• Automobile with insurance and a valid driver’s license.
• Successfully pass an extensive background check.
• Self‑motivated leader with the ability to communicate in a friendly and informative manner with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Bilingual English and Spanish is preferred.
• Clinicians with experience in expressive therapies, including visual arts, dance movement, and music.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• All BUILD employees are required to submit proof of full vaccination status as of October 15 2021.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with 2% match.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance.
• Paid vacation.
• Wellness days.
• Flexible spending account.

BUILD, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically prohibit employment. Rather, BUILD Inc. considers conviction information on a case‑by‑case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time, and its relevance to the position.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) statement: External and internal applicants, as well as incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job functions either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation determined on a case‑by‑case basis. This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.