Children's Therapist I

Title:  Children’s Therapist I 

Reports to:  Clinical Director 

Status: Full time, exempt 
$28.00/hour

Please apply here:   https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/2343164/Jewish-Family-Services/Childrens-Therapist-I

Jewish Family Services (www.jfskc.org) supports and strengthens lives throughout Greater Kansas City. We provide essential human services for people of all faiths, ages, cultures, and identities who are facing challenges in everyday life or times of crisis. Our highly skilled and compassionate staff are dedicated to preserving the well-being, comfort, and dignity of others, always respecting the confidentiality of our clients. JFS proudly serves more than 10,000 people annually, with a breadth of related services including KesherKC (social services and food pantry), Older Adult Services, Mental Health and Education, and Jewish Life including Chaplaincy. 

 Position Summary: The Child Therapist plays a pivotal role in growing our children’s therapy program with therapeutic services for children ages 2-18 grounded in trauma-informed, evidence-based treatments. ?They will conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and collaborate with parents or caregivers to promote the child’s well-being.  

Our counseling services align with our non-discrimination policy stating that JFS clients have a right to be treated with dignity and respect, free of all discrimination, including that which is based on race, color, religion, gender, language, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, or immigration status. We make every reasonable accommodation to ensure access to our programs and services. 

 Essential Duties: 

• Administer trauma-informed psychotherapy to clients, both in-person and via teletherapy, including individual, family, and group settings. 

• Assess and diagnose emotional and behavioral needs in young clients utilizing the DSM-5. 

• Develop and implement customized treatment plans based on child’s individual needs. 

• Address developmental stages and challenges specific to children. 

• Monitor and track progress through regular assessments. 

• Address family dynamics impacting the child’s mental health. 

• Collaborate with parents or caregivers to provide comprehensive support. 

• Complete assessments and treatment planning in a digital caseload manager. 

• Document clinical transactions in a timely manner. 

• Collaborate and coordinate with a team of providers, including presenting cases to colleagues. 

• Provide case management as needed. 

• Maintain quantity of direct service hours in accordance with agency expectations.  

• Staff cases with mental health team members of JFS staff.  

• Provide necessary referrals to internal and community resources that meet client needs. 

• Participate in regular team meetings and JFS staff events. 

• Other duties as assigned.  

 Essential Education Skills and Experience: 

• Must have Master’s degree and applicable licensure in marriage and family therapy, social work, counseling, or psychology. 

• Clinical licensure is preferred, but clinical supervision can be provided for the right candidate. 

• Missouri licensure preferred. 

• Training and/or familiarity with Play Therapy, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, EMDR, and/or Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy strongly preferred. 

• Experience with assessment and treatment planning skills, as well as demonstrated knowledge of the DSM-5. 

• Strong crisis management and safety protocol skills and experience, including mandated reporter protocols. 

• Willingness to actively participate in a highly collaborative and collegial work environment. 

• Effective caseload and time management. 

• Computer skills including Microsoft Windows and Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), client databases, and HIPAA. 

• Bilingual preferred. 

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  

Environmental/Physical Requirements:  

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:

• Frequently required to sit, stand, talk and hear. 

• Required to sit in a therapeutic setting with clients virtually or in person.  

• Able to work in a communal work environment. 

• Able to effectively use office equipment such as: computer, phone, printer, copier and fax machine. 

Key Competencies:

• Cultural Humility: Engage in the regular practice of self-reflection on how one’s own background and the background of others impact workplace experiences.

• Organizational Leader: Must have an innovative mindset and create and maintain a strong reputation as a strategic doer, demonstrating agility and collaboration throughout the organization.

• Emotional Intelligence: Empathy and strong interpersonal skills are essential. Must be compassionate, self-aware, and able to skillfully manage their emotions and those of others.

• Integrity: Must utilize effective judgement and problem-solving skills while maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards.

 Guiding Principles:JFS is guided by five principles that inform how we engage with each other and the community we serve. The right candidate will be in alignment with these values:

1. B’Yachad - Stronger Together:We are stronger as an agency and a community when we think, work, and serve together. 

2. Being Human-Centered:We put the human experience and perspective at the center of our thinking, programming, services, and interactions. 

3. Collaboration:We actively seek partnering opportunities within JFS and throughout our community. 

4. Innovation & Entrepreneurship:We respond and continually adapt to ongoing needs and changes in the Greater Kansas City area. 

5. Open Communication:?We communicate openly, honestly, and in a solution-oriented manner. 

Equal Employment Statement: Jewish Family Services is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational need. All qualified applicants will be considered.

To apply please go to this link: 

   https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/2343164/Jewish-Family-Services/Childrens-Therapist-I