Therapist

Location: Elgin, IL 60123

Pay

$26.45 - $31.73 per hour ($55,000 - $66,000 annually) dependent upon experience

Schedule

• Part-Time, Non-Exempt (25 hours/week)
• As clients grow, hours may increase to support expanded services. Changes will be discussed ahead of time to ensure workload balance and clarity.
• Varies based on client needs. Generally operates within standard business hours (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
• Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required.

Benefits

• 403(b) with employer match
• Generous Paid-Time Off
• On-Demand Pay: Early wage access through Payactiv
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Referral program

About the Role

The Therapist provides client-centered behavioral health support and programming to community members served by the organization. Under the supervision of the Vice President of Behavioral Health, this role supports program development and delivers in-person and virtual services using a trauma-informed approach to promote engagement, emotional well-being, and connection to supportive resources.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain a physically and psychologically safe environment that promotes emotional growth and healing
• Build positive, trusting relationships with clients to foster engagement and openness
• Assess client needs and respond appropriately under clinical supervision
• Monitor client progress and provide regular updates to supervisors
• Collect, document, and maintain accurate and timely program data and records
• Participate in agency initiatives, evaluations, and program improvement efforts
• Utilize trauma-informed care, active listening, and conflict de-escalation strategies when supporting clients

Work Environment & Schedule

• In-office and community-based position
• Community-based travel required
• Valid driver's license required
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Physical demands include sedentary work, computer use, and frequent communication with clients, colleagues, and partners involved in client support

Requirements

• Master's degree in Social Work, Clinical Psychology, or a related field from an accredited college or university
• Experience with trauma-informed care and practice principles
• Strong communication, collaboration, and de-escalation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and documentation systems

Qualifications

• LCP or LSW preferred
• Candidates who are license-eligible/pursuing licensure will also be considered
• Strong group facilitation and management skills, with the ability to encourage participation and foster respect for diverse perspectives
• Minimum of 1 year of post-graduate experience with demonstrated clinical experience, or a combination of 4 years of pre- and post-graduate experience
• Demonstrated ability to build engagement and create supportive, inclusive environments
• Experience working with a diverse range of populations and age groups

About Us

Volunteers of America is a national, faith-based nonprofit founded over 125 years ago. VOA Illinois delivers strength-based, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive programs across the state. We are a certified Great Place to Work and proudly promote from within — over 50% of our workforce has advanced into new roles within the organization. We continue to innovate and evolve based on the needs of the communities we serve.