Child and Family Therapist

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Child and Family Therapist or Counselor  is responsible for providing direct therapeutic services to victims of child abuse, trauma, and other Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their families in crisis and on an ongoing basis. The Child and Family Therapist or Counselor  is trained in evidence-based—NCA approved models to address the trauma, mental health, and other clinical issues that clients and their non-offending caregivers may present. This position is required to provide ongoing therapy, court prep, and support group treatment to clients and their non-offending caregivers. The Child and Family Therapist position is for developing and maintaining a client-focused, children’s advocacy-based mental health practice that supports the mission of VCAC and adheres to the NCA Standards of Mental Health practices.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

• Provide individual & family mental health therapy for children and their non-offending families in crisis and on an ongoing basis using an evidence- based and NCA approved therapy model
• Provide structured group and support therapy program for children and caregivers
• Provide comprehensive bio-psycho-social assessments for child victims of trauma and maltreatment
• Provide individual parenting education, to include the effects of abuse, violence and trauma on children
• Introduce and support coping skills necessary to help the child deal with the impact of trauma when at home and in other settings
• Assist with crisis counseling of new clients as needed
• Attend and participate in meetings, trainings and supervision as requested
• Follow and adhere to the NCA accreditation standards for mental providers and use the best practices
• Assist in developing and conducting applicable trainings relative to VCAC’s mission and its Mental Health program for multidisciplinary team member organizations and other partner organizations
• Responsible for ensuring service is client-focused, culturally competent and sensitive, strength based, and built on a foundation of sound clinical theory and trauma informed best practices
• Ensure the collection and integrity of client/service data and report findings monthly and timely
• Offer feedback for service adaptation based on best practices established by research in the field
• Schedule of therapeutic appointments within established timeframes
• Communicate effectively with clients, caregivers, and MDT partners
• Represent the program and agency with area service providers
• Other duties as assigned

Qualification, Skills, Knowledge

• Educational Requirement: Masters in Social Worker (LLMSW or LMSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor. Preferred Trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT)

• Knowledgeable about child development and family systems, diagnosis, and evidence based therapeutic interventions for children who have experienced trauma
• Knowledgeable about the dynamics of sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect
• Knowledgeable about the dynamics of intimate partner violence
• Demonstrates ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and collaboratively with peers and community partners
• Good computer skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently

Additional Relevant Skills and Qualities:

• Ability to work cooperatively with victims, families, MDT team and other community partners
• Organized and relevant
• Use good interpersonal relations skills with community partners and MDT members
• Excellent rapport
• Social media, Microsoft Office, and general database proficient
• Ability to sit at a desk, complete computer work, light lifting
• Ability to deal with sensitive confidential information
• Nonjudgmental approach that reflects cultural competency and sensitivity to the unique needs and diverse experiences of families with young children and the ability to relate well with people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds