Youth Specialist - Group Therapeutic Services

Applewood Centers is a private, nonprofit agency providing mental health services, social services, and education to children, adolescents, and families in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties. We address a variety of behavioral, emotional, and learning problems through a continuum of care from outpatient counseling to residential treatment.

About the role

The Group Therapeutic Services (GTS) Youth Specialist will provide guidance and instruction to foster emotional, physical, and mental growth of clients through therapeutic group facilitation, intervention, and positive role modeling. The position assists in client transportation and other group activities in accordance with established guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Maintain awareness of clients’ emotional condition and facilitate their daily care by providing emotional support, assistance, and motivation; ensure basic social, emotional, and physical needs are met.
• Participate in clients’ progress by monitoring and evaluating their response to treatment, attending staff meetings and treatment plan reviews, and completing required paperwork.
• Provide a structured environment and day-to-day care of clients, including care of the group space.
• Develop a theoretical and practical understanding of:
  • Basic child, adolescent, and family development.
  • Issues relevant to children and adolescents with severe emotional and behavioral problems.
  • Interventions used in helping severely troubled clients.
• Participate cooperatively and flexibly in daily client transportation to and from the GTS program as needed.
• Facilitate day treatment groups in collaboration with licensed group facilitators on topics such as anger management, relationship building, and self-esteem, in accordance with each client’s individualized treatment plan.
• Participate in the development of individual treatment plans.
• Provide individual support to facilitate client engagement in treatment and goal-focused work.
• Assist the Day Treatment lead staff in psychotherapeutic interventions or take the group lead when needed.
• Provide support to clients to facilitate their involvement in psychotherapeutic interventions.
• Attend scheduled staff meetings, supervision, and ongoing training.
• Maintain current required trainings, certifications, and licensure in accordance with applicable regulations and standards.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of clinical records through timely completion of assigned documentation.
• Respect client privacy and maintain confidentiality of all information obtained during treatment.
• Maintain high standards of ethical and professional conduct and adhere to Agency policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Sociology, or a related field.
• Experience working with children, adolescents, and their families.
• Valid driver’s license and driving record that meets the underwriting criteria of the Agency’s insurance company.
• Approval by the Agency to transport clients in agency and/or personal vehicle.

Skills

• Core Expertise: Possesses skill, knowledge, and abilities to perform essential duties; keeps knowledge up to date.
• Independent Judgment: Ability to perform job responsibilities with a high degree of initiative and independent judgment.
• Cultural Competency: Demonstrates awareness, sensitivity, and skills in working professionally with diverse individuals, groups, and communities.
• Interpersonal Communication: Communicates clearly using verbal, nonverbal, and written skills in a professional context.
• Professional & Ethical Conduct: Adheres to professional values such as honesty, personal responsibility, and accountability; applies ethical concepts and follows Agency policies.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Functions effectively as a member of a professional team, including employees, clients, and family members.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Recognizes problems, gathers and analyzes information, identifies root causes, and makes timely decisions.

Benefits

• Health & Care: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with low-cost plan options and 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Family First: Paid parental leave (birth and adoption), fertility/IVF support, and pet insurance.
• Career Growth: 50% tuition discount for Case Western Reserve University MSW program and free supervision for licensed roles.
• Financial Protection: 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, plus 100% employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance.
• Time Off: Generous paid time off (PTO) and paid organizational holidays.