Therapist - Hope House

One Hope United's Hope Houses are designed as intimate, therapeutic foster homes situated within communities, and are structured to provide stability for youth aged 13-17 in a nurturing and stabilized family-like setting. Our approach focuses on trauma-informed care and innovative clinical practices, allowing therapists the necessary time and space to engage in meaningful therapy without the burdens of excessive paperwork or insurance.

About the Role

This position is perfect for a therapist looking for fulfilling clinical work, flexible hours, and the chance to contribute to the development of a pioneering treatment environment from its foundation. The Hope House Therapist offers trauma-informed mental health support to four youth in care, focusing on enhancing their emotional, behavioral, and social stability. As part of a collaborative interdisciplinary team, the therapist provides individual, family, and group therapy, leads treatment planning, partners with caregivers and external providers, and is integral to the comprehensive care strategy. This role blends conventional clinical practice with the flexibility to implement innovative therapeutic methods, all while enjoying robust program support, manageable caseloads, and the absence of billing demands.

What makes this role unique is the integration into a care team consisting of professional foster parents, youth care workers, and a nurse. This team provides comprehensive support to the youth by collaborating with local schools, community resources, and the youth’s case manager, ensuring a holistic approach to their care.

Position Perks

• No processing of Medicaid billing, insurance panels, or billing quotes
• Clinical work can be fully client-focused, and not billing-driven
• Ability to structure hours around youth needs, supporting work-life balance
• Small, sustainable caseload allowing more time to work with each youth, enabling deeper clinical work and client rapport
• Leadership support, cross-department collaboration, and daily teamwork
• Use of innovative modalities, along with the opportunity to enhance the current clinical structure for future Hope House expansion
• Continued training and professional development

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial and comprehensive diagnostic assessments for youth referred to the program, ensuring a thorough understanding of each individual's unique needs and circumstances.
• Develop tailored treatment plans that utilize evidence-based practices and trauma-informed interventions, effectively addressing the specific challenges faced by each client.
• Provide engaging individual and group therapy sessions, fostering a safe and supportive environment that encourages personal growth and healing.
• Utilize youth and team’s feedback continuously to refine and adjust treatment strategies, ensuring that care remains responsive to evolving needs and goals.
• Serve as the primary clinical communicator, coordinating care among internal staff, schools, medical providers, and other key stakeholders to ensure a unified approach to the client’s well-being.
• Maintain comprehensive and organized clinical documentation, including progress notes, assessments, quarterly reports, treatment updates, and discharge summaries, to meet compliance and quality assurance standards.
• Actively participate in court hearings, lead multidisciplinary team meetings, and required staffing sessions as necessary, contributing clinical insights to support the clients' care coordination.
• Monitor clients' progress through the application of standardized clinical tools, assessing the effectiveness of interventions and identifying areas for continued improvement.
• Lead and facilitate therapeutic groups within the home, providing a structured setting for shared experiences and peer support.
• Provide crisis intervention when needed, supporting staff in de-escalation efforts to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment.
• Ensure that treatment plans incorporate input and insights from all providers involved in the client’s care, promoting a collaborative approach to treatment.
• Uphold the highest ethical and professional standards in all interactions, demonstrating a commitment to the welfare and dignity of each client.

Requirements

• MA/MS in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field; license-eligible
• One year of related clinical experience preferred
• Experience with youth, trauma, or residential settings is a plus, but not required
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record
• Ability to meet OHU insurance requirements
• Strong documentation, communication, and crisis-response skills
• Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and sound judgment

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Therapists will work inside the Hope House environment and occasionally in community settings. Must be able to operate standard office equipment, drive to appointments, and interact with youth who may present unpredictable behaviors.

Why Join Hope Houses?

This is truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity in Illinois. Therapists here get:

• Time for real therapy
• Lower caseloads compared to outpatient or traditional residential
• No billing stress
• A cohesive team culture
• Flexibility to use creative and evidence-based practices
• Supportive supervisors who trust the clinician's judgment
• A stable, predictable environment designed intentionally for healing
• Growth opportunities as the Hope Houses expand

Benefits

• Tuition assistance up to $2500 per year
• Up to 4 weeks paid Vacation Days, up to 6 paid Personal Days, and up to 5 paid Sick days annually
• Medical, dental, vision
• 403b Retirement plan
• Flexible spending accounts, health savings account
• Short-term disability options
• Agency paid life up to $50K based on salary
• Voluntary Supplemental Life for Employee, Spouse, and Child(ren)
• Voluntary Legal Plans
• Agency paid long-term disability after 1 year of employment
• Career ladders, professional development, and promotion opportunities
• Free LCSW and LCPC Supervision hours are available in some locations