Children's Therapist

About the role

A Children’s Therapist delivers comprehensive, trauma-informed therapy for survivors of domestic violence that allows survivors to:

• Continue to gain a sense of safety and control
• Further develop their problem-solving skills and coping mechanisms
• Understand domestic violence and its impact on a person’s life

Uses a strengths-based approach to provide crisis management, safety planning, advocacy, resource referrals and support to survivors of domestic violence. The Children’s Therapist will report directly to the Vice President of Children’s Services and work closely with other Therapists, Case Managers, and direct service staff. Therapists are expected to deliver a minimum of 20 hours of direct service to clients weekly, which equates to approximately 22–25 cases. They must also have the flexibility to travel offsite with clients to coordinate or accompany clients to appointments or other community resources. All Newhouse team members must be able to adapt to a continually evolving environment and thrive in an autonomous and deadline-oriented workplace.

Schedule + Benefits

This is a full-time, salaried position starting at $46,000. Work schedule is typically business hours (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) including one recurring late evening (i.e. 11 a.m.–7 p.m.). Flexibility is required to meet the needs of our clients and accommodate special projects, which may include additional evening or weekend hours occasionally. Newhouse provides a flexible work environment to the extent that it does not interfere with meeting the needs of our clients and residents.

• 100% employer-paid health and dental benefits
• Voluntary vision benefits available
• 401(k) with a 4% match after a 90-day qualifying period
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous PTO package

Responsibilities

• Adhere to relevant Code of Ethics (NASW, ACA, etc.) and MOCADSV standards
• Operate with a survivor-centric mindset, adhering to the Newhouse Workplace Culture Commitment and practicing the three-pillar philosophy: (1) The Practice of Radical Empathy, (2) Relationships Over Rules, (3) Connection Before Consequence
• Model leadership, self-awareness, and a solution-focused approach
• Initiate contact with assigned client within 72 hours of assignment and begin necessary assessment with or without client present
• Demonstrate ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with individuals facing significant challenges and/or complex mental health needs
• Initiate treatment plan with client and collaborate on desired therapeutic services including frequency
• Conduct a minimum of four therapeutic and/or psychoeducational groups weekly, including one evening group
• Provide individual sessions and crisis intervention per treatment plan and/or by client request
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to support community referrals as needed
• Maintain accurate documentation ensuring all clinical notes are entered in a timely manner (recommended daily, no less than weekly)
• Attend scheduled meetings (treatment review, health + safety check-ins, consultation meetings, departmental meetings) to provide trauma-competent perspective and emotional support
• Attend supervision and trainings as required by agency and licensing board
• Provide on-call phone services to address mental health crisis situations when scheduled on rotation
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor appropriate to ethical responsibilities and MOCADSV standards

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Licensed Professional Counseling (LPC) or Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW)
• Licensure in Missouri and Kansas required (Newhouse will assist with reciprocity)
• Relevant clinical experience in individual and group counseling
• Experience in domestic violence preferred but not required
• Knowledge of domestic + family violence, child + adult development, principles of attachment, substance use + recovery, and culturally responsive practices
• Training in Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, EMDR, Play Therapy, and DBT preferred
• Must pass a background check
• Computer skills, organizational, problem-solving, and conflict management skills
• Integrity, honesty, and high ethical standards
• Keen interpersonal skills, sensitive to Trauma Informed Care and Inclusive Culture of Belonging models
• Alignment and adherence to the Newhouse mission, vision, and principles

Work Conditions

Work conditions are typical of an office setting. There may be extended periods of sitting, standing, walking up and down stairs and/or traveling on the elevator. Staff may be subject to noises such as others speaking or children playing, given the shelter’s communal living structure. There are times the shelter must go into privacy mode for the privacy or safety of staff/residents. The intercom system is used to communicate these needs.