Clinical Trainee - Healing Center

Come join the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) as a Clinical Trainee at the Healing Center. This role is critical to the integration of mental health care into substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services, with an emphasis on trauma-informed, culturally grounded, and strengths-based approaches.

About the role

The Clinical Trainee is a pre-licensed Mental Health Therapist who provides individual, group, and family therapy for adult clients in residential treatment. In addition to therapy, this position includes case management responsibilities, supporting clients in accessing services, planning transitions, and navigating barriers to recovery. The Clinical Trainee will receive supervision towards their licensure and works closely with cultural practitioners and medical and addictions staff to support holistic healing for Native American clients, especially those from the four Dakota tribes.

Responsibilities

• Provide mental health assessments, treatment planning, and ongoing therapy to adult clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Facilitate individual, group, and family therapy sessions tailored to the needs and cultural identities of clients.
• Provide case management support, including assisting clients in accessing community resources, coordinating care with outside providers, and addressing housing, legal, or financial needs related to recovery.
• Collaborate closely with LADC staff, medical providers, cultural advisors, and other staff to ensure integrated and person-centered care.
• Incorporate trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches into all aspects of therapy.
• Contribute to diagnostic formulations and treatment recommendations that support client recovery and wellness.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation in the electronic health record (NextGen).
• Participate in clinical staffings, treatment planning meetings, and interdisciplinary team discussions.
• Support clients through crises, de-escalation, and emotional regulation, ensuring safety and stability.
• Conduct discharge planning and referrals for continuing care, mental health services, or community support.
• Educate clients and staff on mental health topics relevant to recovery, resilience, and Native wellness.
• Participate in quality assurance, training, and professional development activities.
• Promote and model respect for Dakota traditions, healing practices, and community values.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Healing Center’s mission.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Counseling, or Marriage and Family Therapy from an accredited university that is accepted by the applicable licensing board.
• Actively working towards independent licensure.
• Preferred: Experience conducting couples and/or family therapy.
• Preferred: At least two (2) years of experience providing therapy to adults in substance abuse residential settings.
• Preferred: Dual licensure as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) or previous experience working in substance use disorder treatment.
• Preferred: Experience providing case management services in a behavioral health setting.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care, co-occurring disorders, and culturally responsive treatment.
• Knowledge of or respect for Dakota culture and language, or a willingness to learn.
• Excellent interpersonal, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Must pass a background check and meet credentialing requirements.
• Must maintain client confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 regulations.
• Valid driver’s license and insurability under organizational policy.
• This position is subject to testing for drugs (THC included) and alcohol in accordance with Federal Department of Transportation regulations, as well as the SMSC Drug/THC and Alcohol Policy.

Benefits

• Competitive weekly pay.
• Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance.
• Onsite medical clinics and pharmacy.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid time off.
• Wellness programs.
• Discounts on childcare, fuel, bus passes, and fitness membership.
• Free uniforms and free uniform cleaning.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Paid volunteer hours to participate in community outreach initiatives (SMSC Gives).

About the organization

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community contributes both time and financial resources across the region, state, and country. The SMSC has donated more than $400 million to organizations and causes, provided $500 million in economic development loans to other tribes, and contributed millions more to support regional governments and infrastructure. The SMSC's Native Green initiative annually diverts hundreds of tons of waste from landfills, has implemented compostable containers throughout its properties, and restored hundreds of acres of prairie land.