Therapist, Youth Recovery

At Jefferson Center, we are inclusive and mindful of the diversity of everyone we serve. Our mission is to build a community where mental health matters and equitable care is accessible to all races, ethnicities, abilities, socioeconomic statuses, ages, sexual orientations, gender expressions, religions, cultures, and languages.

About the role

The Youth Residential Recovery (YRR) program is a structured and supportive environment designed to help adolescents build stability, strengthen coping skills, and process their recovery journey. The program provides comprehensive services including individual and family therapy, daily therapeutic groups, case management, and academic time. Youth receive coordinated care from a multidisciplinary team—such as clinicians, case managers, medical staff, and residential counselors—who support adolescents with their emotional and behavioral needs, create relapse prevention plans, discharge plans, and family support plans.

The Youth Residential Recovery Therapist collaborates with this team to provide assessment, clinical support, ongoing evaluation of consumer safety, and risk assessment for suicide and homicide. They deliver individual, group, and family therapy, as well as case management and care coordination to consumers with substance use disorders or co-occurring mental health disorders.

Responsibilities

• Engage patients in the YRR program, appropriate family members, and referral sources/stakeholders with consumer consent.
• Identify risk factors, including lethality for suicidal, homicidal, and/or grave disability; complete involuntary mental health holds (27-65) and assist with Involuntary Commitment protocols as needed.
• Provide behavioral and diagnostic assessments, initial engagement strategies, treatment and discharge planning, and case management/wrap-around services.
• Conduct ASAM level of care assessments and referrals to meet client needs and fulfill insurance/payor requirements.
• Participate in Evidence-Based Practices and agency initiatives (DBT, PCOMS, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care, etc.) for mental health and co-occurring substance use services.
• Work constructively with clients to reach agreed-upon outcomes and coordinate care with internal and external providers.
• Assist the Program Coordinator in overseeing the milieu, provide de-escalation and crisis intervention, and address clinical concerns.
• Obtain collateral information from family and other providers as appropriate.
• Provide individual, family, and group therapy; carry a caseload of 6-7 clients, meeting with each twice weekly, and complete related documentation in a timely manner.
• Work one weekend day weekly to support the 24/7 programmatic format.
• Adhere to mandated reporting requirements.
• Participate in weekly interdisciplinary team meetings to review consumer treatment and discharge planning.
• Serve as a liaison with community agencies and referral sources regarding consumer needs.
• Maintain professional and ethical behavior, adhering to all Jefferson Center policies and procedures.
• Attend mandatory in-services and comply with individualized training plans if required.
• Participate in supervision, reporting high-risk/problem cases and utilizing a problem-solving approach.
• Ensure corporate compliance, including documentation aligned with regulatory requirements and clinical guidelines.
• Exhibit enthusiasm, courtesy, adaptability, flexibility, and a cooperative spirit in the work environment.
• Maintain effective interpersonal relations with consumers, peers, subordinates, upper management, visitors, and the public, using language and behavior that promotes dignity and respect.
• Respond effectively to client/consumer needs and problems, initiating and maintaining positive interactions.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills to develop therapeutic alliances and work effectively with culturally diverse consumers.
• Participate in staff development activities to enhance professional growth.
• Address whole health needs by ensuring appropriate releases for physical health care providers and making referrals when significant physical health needs arise.
• Assess and treat individuals with various disorders within the scope of expertise, utilizing appropriate clinical and recovery-focused interventions.
• Understand how trauma impacts those served, ensuring interactions align with the recovery process and minimize re-traumatization.
• Participate in training programs on Trauma-Informed Care, its impact, and trauma recovery.
• Ensure practices are guided by principles of trauma-informed care, addiction treatment, and ASAM Criteria.
• Complete required paperwork for substance use treatment licenses and billing to Medicaid and other funding sources, including Substance Abuse ROI and Discharge Plans.
• Endorse the Center’s belief in drug testing as an effective therapeutic tool for deterring substance use, ensuring safety in prescribing psychotropic medications, and supporting successful abstinence.
• Participate in and promote a positive, supportive, cooperative team environment.
• This is an awake position for the entire shift; may involve temporarily stepping into another role based on qualifications to provide adequate coverage on the unit.
• Staff working with youth must be in good medical, mental, physical, and emotional health, free from communicable diseases, and current on all routinely recommended adult immunizations.
• May involve lifting, pushing, or pulling objects weighing up to 25 pounds; in rare situations, may assist in safely holding a youth for up to 60 seconds.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree (from an accredited university or college) in a related field.
• Two (2) years of relevant experience and/or training.
• Clinical licensure (LPC, LMFT, LCSW) or License Eligible required.
• CAS or LAC preferred (must obtain within 18 months of hire).
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Skills or experience in integrated health approaches preferred.
• CPR/First Aid Certification preferred or obtain within two months of hire.
• Must be at least 21 years of age or older.
• Valid Colorado Driver's License with a driving record that meets agency requirements.

Pay

Salary Grade 51 - Master’s Unlicensed Clinician: $62,700 - $70,400*

Salary Grade 52 - Licensed Clinician (LCSW, LMFT, LPC): $77,000 – $84,920*

The salary range includes a 10% differential for working with youth in a 24/7 residential setting. Ranges are based on 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week); less than 40 hours/week will be prorated. Pay is determined by education level, licensure, years of relevant experience, and internal equity.

Benefits

Youth Residential Recovery Bonus:

• $1,500 at 1-month anniversary
• $1,500 at 6-month anniversary
• $2,000 at 1-year anniversary ($5,000 total)

Based on full-time (40 hours/week); prorated if less than 40 hours/week. Must work a minimum of 20 hours/week to be eligible. Current Jefferson Center employees are not eligible. Bonuses are earned only upon reaching the specified employment milestones.