CSEC Therapist

JOB TITLE: CSEC Therapist REPORTS TO: CSEC Clinical Supervisor LOCATION: Qualified Residential Treatment Program located in the Northwest Suburbs

ABOUT SHELTER YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES Shelter Youth & Family Services provides emergency housing, community-based services, and support for youth and families in crisis. Founded in 1975, we've grown into a leading voice for child welfare, human trafficking response, foster care innovation, and trauma-informed care in Illinois. With a current budget of $10M and ambitious plans to grow to $15M, our mission is to end the cycle of abuse and neglect by providing safe, healthy, and stable lives for children and families.

Shelter Youth & Family Services is committed to providing safe, inclusive, and supportive resources for youth and families from all backgrounds and identities. We actively strive to create an environment that supports all employees, placing value in contributions from people from diverse backgrounds, and honoring all experiences, perspectives, and unique identities. Our mission is to protect children, strengthen families, and transform communities. Joining us in this role will give you a chance to help fulfill that mission and help the community. Shelter and its facilities are drug and smoke-free environments.

Learn more at shelter-inc.org.

Shelter Youth and Family Services encourages the application of all bilingual applicants to work with our client community. Applicants who can successfully certify their skill level in reading, speaking, and writing in two languages with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services may receive an additional salary stipend. Certification testing is set by DCFS.

POSITION OVERVIEW The Therapist for the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Program will provide trauma-informed therapy to the clients in the CSEC program. Clinical services include individual therapy, group therapy, and on-call crisis services to youth residing in the CSEC program and other duties in compliance with the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services' (DCFS) rules and regulations. This position operates under the direction and supervision of the CSEC Clinical Supervisor, who is supervised by the Clinical Director.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

PROGRAM DAILY OPERATIONS:

1. Responsible for providing trauma-informed therapeutic services (i.e., TF-CBT, CBT, DBT, EMDR and/or Narrative Exposure Therapy) for clients within the CSEC Program.
2. Responsible for delivering training to CSEC clinical and direct service staff as needed.
3. Responsible for working with the CSEC Clinical Supervisor to implement trauma-informed programming for the clients.
4. Responsible for a caseload of 6 clients and providing therapy groups once a week.
5. Other tasks as assigned by the CSEC Clinical Supervisor.

CLIENT SERVICES AND SUPPORT:

1. Provide individual therapy and group therapy to clients weekly.
2. Provide psycho-education and trauma-informed therapeutic groups to clients and/or families based on interest and need.
3. Facilitate the development, review and modification of clients' clinical treatment, discharge, and aftercare plans.
4. Collaborate with case management teams to assess client needs, develop individualized treatment plans, and track progress.
5. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and other systems (schools, DCFS, etc.) to support the client as clinically necessary.
6. Promote a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approach to care, prioritizing safety, dignity, and well-being of each client.

COMPLIANCE AND QUALITY ASSURANCE:

1. Maintain compliance in documentation with all relevant licensing, accreditation, and legal requirements, including DCFS, COA, and Medicaid standards.
2. Maintain comprehensive client records, adhering to the requirements set forth by funding entities, licensing regulations, and accreditation standards.
3. Ability to complete required documentation within 48 hours.

CRISIS INTERVENTION AND SUPPORT:

1. Respond to crises or emergencies involving clients, providing immediate support and stabilization.
2. Provide post-crisis support to clients and staff as needed for debriefing and processing.
3. Provide on-call availability on a rotation basis with other clinical staff.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The CSEC therapist reports directly to the CSEC Clinical Supervisor and works collaboratively with other program leaders to ensure the highest quality of care and service delivery.

HOURS OF EMPLOYMENT

Hours are flexible and may shift depending on the needs of the program. The therapist will be expected to work 40 hours per week, which will be composed of working hours and on-call hours. To ensure adequate coverage, there are two schedules to choose from:

1. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
2. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

1. Master's degree in social work, Counseling or related field
2. CADC Certification (preferred) and/or experience working with substance use treatment
3. Licensed social worker (LSW) or licensed professional counselor (LPC) (preferred) Willing to obtain professional license within first year of hire. Can also provide free supervision hours to obtain LCSW or LCPC.

Experience:

1. Minimum of 1-2 years of experience providing counseling (individual and/or group therapy)
2. Demonstrated experience in working with high-risk youth, particularly in foster care, human trafficking, and/or substance use.
3. Familiarity with multiple therapeutic evidence-based interventions (i.e., TF-CBT, CBT, DBT, EMDR, Narrative Exposure Therapy)
4. Knowledge of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and the unique needs of high-risk clients.

Skills and Abilities:

1. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
2. Ability to manage multiple priorities and remain calm under pressure.
3. Knowledge of trauma-informed practices.
4. Familiarity with DCFS regulations and child welfare best practices.

Certifications and Requirements:

1. Certification in TF-CBT, DBT, and/or EMDR therapeutic modalities. (preferred)
2. IM+CANS certification, or ability to complete IM+CANS certification within 3 months of hire.
3. Valid Illinois driver's license and adequate automobile insurance.
4. Must have a working automobile.
5. Must be at least 25 years of age in accordance with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services licensing standards.
6. Must complete a medical and TB test and provide results.
7. Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to CDC guidelines.
8. Must be fingerprinted by the state of Illinois and must submit to a full background check through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
9. Must submit official educational transcripts from the last school in which the last degree was awarded.
10. Must be able to lift 40 pounds.
11. Must be certified in CPR/First Aid, CPI, and complete a new hire orientation before working independently.
12. Must be available to provide 24-hour on-call support for crisis and emergencies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk or hear; stand; walk; and use hands to handle or operate objects. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and reach with hands or arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Shelter is committed to providing safe, inclusive, and supportive resources for youth and families from all backgrounds and identities. We actively strive to create an environment that supports all employees, placing value in contributions from people from diverse backgrounds, and honoring all experiences, perspectives, and unique identities.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed primarily in the agency facilities, and occasionally in vehicles, meeting rooms both in the facility and at other agency sites.

CLASSIFICATION STATUS

This is a non-exempt position.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary: $55,00-$58,000
• Benefits:




• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability coverage
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Paid holidays and generous PTO
• Professional development opportunities
• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel

Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including individuals from historically underrepresented communities. We are committed to building a safe and inclusive workplace for all.