Child Therapist, Therapeutic Foster Care

About the role

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) is a leading not-for-profit organization providing healing, justice and wholeness to people and communities. For over 150 years, LSSI has made a difference in the lives of children and families and continues that commitment across the State of Illinois. LSSI is hiring a full-time Therapeutic Foster Care Child Therapist.

Responsibilities

• Provide the full range of therapeutic services to children in the Treatment Foster Care Program in accordance with the integrated assessment, permanency plan, and assessed therapeutic needs of the child.
• Deliver services within an evidence-based model of treatment foster care for children and their families using a trauma-informed approach.
• Provide comprehensive, Medicaid-compliant assessment of client therapeutic needs.
• Develop individualized, Medicaid-compliant treatment plans in conjunction with the TFC Team, child, and family, considering reasons for child welfare involvement, safety and risk concerns, and permanency/step-down service plans.
• Provide direct counseling and therapeutic services to children in the Treatment Foster Care Program as indicated by the assessment and treatment plan, including supportive therapy, behavioral management interventions, prosocial skill development, and school-based interventions.
• Apply principles from social learning theory, developmental psychology, and trauma-informed care.
• Complete and submit all required reports, documentation, and Medicaid billing accurately and timely, including written session notes and progress reports as required by policy, procedures, or juvenile court.
• Demonstrate professional, positive behavior and carry out responsibilities with integrity, treating clients, families, workforce members, and collaborative organizations with dignity, respect, honesty, and fairness.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work or a related field required.
• Background check clearance, both criminal and CANTS required.
• Holds the licensed clinical social work (LCSW) credential or its equivalent, or is eligible for a clinical license and working toward completion.
• IM+ CANTS certified or available to participate in training and certification.
• Training in Treatment Foster Care of Oregon (TFCO) model or available to participate in TFCO training after hire.
• Certified in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) or available to participate in TF-CBT training and certification.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, including completing documentation in the organization’s Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
• Experience providing services using a team approach; demonstrated ability to motivate children, their families, and foster parents to participate in a highly detailed treatment model preferred.
• Knowledge of DSM-V and its applications.
• Excellent organization, presentation, and PC/computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and related software.
• Valid driver’s license in good standing for the state of residency required.
• Access to reliable transportation.
• Valid IL statutory minimum liability insurance coverage, bodily injury and property damage required.

Benefits

• On Demand Flexible Paydays for earned wages through the Dayforce Wallet app.
• Competitive salary based on relevant education, experience, and licensure.
• Comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees including healthcare insurance, up to 26 days of paid time off per calendar year, 11 paid holidays, sick time, 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Program, and flexible hours.
• Paid training to support learning, growth, and success.