Mental Health Therapist

About the Organization:

New Moms believes in the strength, skills, and potential of young moms. Our comprehensive approach provides housing, job training, academic coaching, and family support to give moms and their children a path to lasting success. Combining behavioral research, proven methodology, and 40 years of real-world experience, New Moms has established an equity-driven model for generational change, challenging the barriers caused by systemic poverty and racism.

Our Commitment to Equity:

New Moms prioritizes racial equity as a strategic and organizational imperative. Strong candidates will be committed to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) values into their work goals and will be evaluated on their impact.

About the Job:

The full-time therapist will provide trauma-informed mental health services to young moms engaged in New Moms’ housing, family support, and/or workforce development programs. Therapeutic interventions will promote healing, skill building, resilience, identification and use of natural supports, and empowerment of young moms and their families. The therapist will primarily provide services on an individual basis but may provide family therapy and/or therapeutic or psychoeducational groups as indicated. The therapist will work collaboratively with other program staff across the agency to ensure service quality and continuity of care. The Therapist will champion all New Moms values including our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, in both strategic planning and performance. This position works out of our Austin and Oak Park offices and will spend some time at our East Garfield location. Therapist will need to be available 1-2 evenings per week, with some remote / telehealth flexibility depending on participant needs and preferences.  Starting Salary: $61,000

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Provides trauma-informed, culturally competent, and individualized mental health services to New Moms participants
• Delivers individual, family, and/or group therapy in various settings according to participants’ preferences and agency needs; settings may include offices, participant homes, other community-based settings, and telehealth /virtual platforms
• Completes IM+CANS assessments to determine mental health service needs and formulates service delivery recommendations; Partners with participants to develop individualized treatment plans to support recovery
• Updates IM+CANS every 6 months to ensure that service recommendations continue to support participants’ needs and strengths
• Utilizes various therapeutic techniques and modalities; displays a commitment to ongoing professional learning and growth
• Displays a commitment to harm reduction principles and practices
• Actively participates in weekly reflective supervision
• Works collaboratively with other staff to integrate services across the agency, and communicates with collateral sources, as appropriate and with participant consent
• Maintains working relationships with other social service and/ or public agencies; provides linkage to appropriate resources; advocates for early intervention or other parenting supports as needed; secures appropriate releases and consent forms
• Performs written and electronic recordkeeping functions on a timely basis according to agency policy
• Responds to mental health crises as needed and facilitates psychiatric hospitalization and/or linkage to other emergency services if appropriate
• Upholds the New Moms’ Executive Skills Coaching approach which is grounded in racial equity
• Regularly participates in agency and program staff meetings, as well as professional group seminars or conferences to enhance professional knowledge and job skills
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Commitment to and passion for the mission of New Moms
• Master’s degree in counseling, social work, family therapy, or other related field required
• Experience providing individual, family, and/or group therapy services required
• Experience with Medicaid managed care and/or IM+CANS assessment preferred
• Familiarity with IL Administrative Rule 140 and/or IL Community Based Behavioral Services handbook preferred
• Experience in the use of personal computers and Microsoft software applications required
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and in writing
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines concurrently
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team approach model, taking individual responsibility and autonomy while serving as part of a team
• Access to a reliable vehicle or ability to navigate public transportation between New Moms sites required
• Ability to work 1-2 evenings per week, with some remote / telehealth flexibility depending on participant needs and preferences
• Must be willing and eligible to pursue clinical licensure as an LCSW, LCPC, or LMFT

Other Considerations:

• New Moms employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are not able to receive the vaccine for medical or religious reasons, you may seek approval for an exemption through the Director of HR.
• This is an on-site position with a primary desk at our Austin location. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule which could include 1 day per week of remote work if requested. All staff are required to be in the office on Tuesdays, which is our company Core Day.

New Moms’ Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees including health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; matching on retirement savings up to 3%; 15 paid holidays; and generous paid time off. We also offer several unique benefits to New Moms: discounts on Bright Endeavors products, free optional spiritual direction services, and half days on Fridays in the summer. Our Flexible Work Options policy allows for staff to work some hours remotely once training is complete. For licensed employees, you will receive over 20 free CEU's during onboarding and an additional 1.5 free CEU's/month throughout employment. We promote professional development and provide time for you to attend other external trainings opportunities as well. This position also qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and Community Behavioral Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program.