LGBTQ Therapist - TIL

WHO WE ARE:

Annually serving over 1400 youth and families Lawrence Hall is a community-based organization committed to helping Chicagos youth families and communities heal from the adverse effects of childhood trauma. For more than 150 years Lawrence Hall has been delivering high-quality care throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and is a statewide leader in highly effective evidence-based and innovative therapeutic treatment. Their core programs-Child and Family Treatment Center Therapeutic Day School Creative Therapies Foster Care Transitional/Independent Living Program Workforce Development and Community Wellness-have met the changing and complex needs of youth and families by not only becoming more community based but also by developing more preventative programs that help curb violence in Chicagos communities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Clinical Services or designated supervisor and working in collaboration with the Older Adolescent Team the LGBTQ Older Adolescent Program (OAP) Therapist carries a caseload which includes youth in care aged 17-21 years old who identify as LGBTQ. The therapist is responsible for providing individual and group therapy services including placement stabilization services community-based interventions and in-home treatment. Due to the community-based nature of the work transportation of youth in agency or personal vehicles may be required. Treatment may also aim to help youth in care with the identification development and restoration of family and support networks. Treatment is trauma-focused with common clinical concerns including treatment of trauma symptoms attachment issues anxiety depression substance abuse and reluctance/resistance to treatment. The therapist will also be involved with developing trainings and conducting consultation services with OAP employees to provide support & stabilization for the sites at which the youth reside. This position requires effective verbal communication with team members community resources and young people/families as well as ability to provide ongoing required written documentation. Therapist must have effective use of Microsoft Word Excel and Outlook. Lawrence Hall fosters a culture built upon four core values: Respect Empowerment Safety and Teamwork. These values are deeply embedded within our organizations philosophy of trauma-informed care and directly influence every position. Must be able to effectively use both verbal and physical crisis intervention skills and techniques with adolescents and young adults. Physical intervention skills require the ability to kneel and return to standing without assistance. Therapist must also maintain flexibility to adjust work schedules according to needs of the program.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Carries a selected caseload of older adolescent youth in care (age 17-21) many of who identify as LGBTQ
• Rotates and travels across the Chicagoland area between Older Adolescent Program TLP and ILO sites to provide services.
• Facilitates individual group and family therapy services.
• Formulates and frequently reviews treatment plans with supervisor
• Administers ongoing screening tools to assess the functioning needs and progress of the youth
• Prepares required clinical documentation such as Mental Health Assessments Individual Treatment Plans IMCANS and Quarterly Progress Reports
• Implements an intentional trauma-focused treatment process that incorporates attachment theory cognitive behavioral strength- and evidence-based approaches and strengths/skills based interventions
• Takes an active role in the planning and facilitation of clinical trainings for OAP team with guidance and collaboration from Director of Clinical Services.
• Works closely with other team members to meet the needs of youth in care through participation in site team meetings youth staffing meetings and site supervisor meetings
• Provides support and teaches OAP team methods for managing clinical and crisis issues
• Assists youth and employees to help create safety plans and helps to initiate clinical consultation and services that aim to stabilize the youths placement to reduce crisis and placement disruption
• Attends agency seminars and trainings to increase professional knowledge and skills
• Liaison to DCFS or other agency (courts school districts hospitals SASS outside treatment providers etc.) to communicate concerns goals progress and treatment accomplishments
• On call / afterhours response to clinical crisis situations when they arise
• Determines with the team needs for adjunctive community programs (schools recreation jobs vocational opportunities medical etc.)
• Locates and evaluates resources as needed; works closely with case management team to facilitate referrals for supportive services
• Provides services that are inclusive and affirming of all youth served
• Liaison/facilitator in community police and neighborhood situations
• Participates in psychotropic medication reviews (an ROI would need to be provided by youth first)
• Documents all provided services as required by agency policy
• Uses active and reflective listening skills and affirmations to demonstrate respect and empathy avoiding negative and derogatory labels that foster disrespect
• Understand that behaviors responses attitudes and emotions are a collection of survival skills often developed in response to traumatic experiences
• Maintain confidentiality of employees volunteers and program participants to provide a safe environment
• Attend at least two trainings related to being trauma informed in a twelve month period
• Ability to work effectively with program participants and family members employees and vendors in a culturally diverse environment to support healing and recovery
• Maintains electronic calendar to provide accounting for daily activities and provides permissions for viewing to the appropriate individuals
• Performs the above tasks under close weekly support supervision training and direction of the clinical services manager or designated supervisor
• Knowledge of basic computer skills and ability to communicate effectively via email
• Maintain a professional standard when representing the agency or young people
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters or Doctorate degree in Social Work or related Human Service field with LSW or LPC upon hire.
• Experience in providing care to the LGBTQ population as an ally or lived experience preferred.
• LCSW or LCPC required upon eligibility.
• Experience working with LGBTQ identified individuals
• Knowledge of childhood trauma and prior experience working in settings with youth and families that have been exposed to trauma or experiencing traumatic stress preferred
• Knowledge of youth development adolescent issues positive youth development/strength based approach preferred
• Personal vehicle or access to vehicle and proof of insurance
• Valid Illinois Drivers license
• No history of child abuse or neglect
• Ability to pass background and drug screen

Benefits and Perks that Support You

• Time Off Benefits (PTO): Employees receive an average of 17-25 days of PTO including vacation paid leave and sick time in addition to 9 paid holidays.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical dental and vision plans are available for employees spouses/domestic partners and child dependents.
• Wellness Reimbursement: Employees can receive up to $20 per month towards wellness-related subscriptions/memberships.
• Retirement Savings: Our 401(k) plan includes a 100% employer match on contributions up to 3% after one year of service.
• Supplemental Insurance: Coverage options include Critical Illness Accident Insurance and Short-Term & Long-Term Disability for employees and their families.
• Life & AD&D Insurance: Full-time employees receive term life insurance equal to twice their salary at no cost.
• Commuter Benefits: Pre-tax options are available to help cover parking and transit expenses.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): A free and confidential resource providing support for personal and work-related challenges.
• Employee Referral Program: Employees can earn up to $1500 for referring successful candidates.
• Tuition & Loan Assistance: Lawrence Hall is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Frequently cited statistics show that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the necessary skills and abilities. Lawrence Hall encourages you to apply even if you do not have experience in all areas of essential functions. We look forward to your application.