Licensed Community Based Therapist at CHRIS 180 – Atlanta, Georgia

Position Summary

The Therapist provides evidence-based clinical services to consumers participating in the Summit Trail and The Spot Programs. This role includes conducting behavioral health assessments, developing treatment plans, delivering trauma-informed therapy, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support the mental health and overall well-being of youth, young adults, and families. The Therapist is responsible for ensuring that services align with CHRIS 180 policies, evidence-based practices, and applicable state and regulatory standards while supporting the agency’s mission of healing children, strengthening families, and building community.

Key Responsibilities:

Consumer Support and Skill Development

· Provide positive role modeling to consumers and clients.

· Promote self-esteem, personal accountability, and healthy identity development.

· Encourage the development of healthy interpersonal boundaries.

· Promote appropriate hygiene and personal appearance among youth and young adults.

· Reinforce socially appropriate behaviors including manners, safety awareness, and healthy lifestyle habits.

· Teach and reinforce thoughtful decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Clinical Assessment and Treatment Planning

· Assess consumers’ trauma history, acuity level, strengths, and service needs.

· Screen, evaluate, and triage potential consumers to determine appropriate services and evidence-based interventions.

· Provide initial clinical impressions and diagnostic considerations.

· Conduct Biopsychosocial Assessments.

· Administer Caregiver Strain Assessments when appropriate.

· Administer Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale (CAFAS/PECAFAS) when required.

· Utilize validated assessment tools consistent with evidence-based practices including:

o Seven Challenges

o Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

o Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

o Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC)

· Evaluate Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) scores and incorporate findings into treatment planning.

· Develop and monitor Individualized Recovery and Resiliency Plans (IRRPs).

· Evaluate and document consumer progress toward treatment goals and improved functioning.

Service Coordination and Collaboration

· Make referrals to meet consumer needs related to health, education, employment, and social services including:

o Department of Public Health

o Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS)

o Georgia Department of Labor

o Employment agencies

o Local colleges and technical schools

· Facilitate or participate in team meetings for consumers and residents.

· Collaborate with other CHRIS 180 programs to ensure coordinated service delivery.

· Consult with external providers and community agencies to support comprehensive care.

· Attend RBWO meetings or provide treatment summaries when required.

· Attend Child and Family Team Meetings (CFTM) or provide treatment summaries for consumers receiving wraparound services.

· Advocate for consumers with external agencies and assist with service coordination.

· Monitor the effectiveness and delivery of services provided.

Clinical Services

· Provide therapy services for adults, children, and families referred to CHRIS 180 counseling programs.

· Demonstrate strong engagement and clinical expertise when delivering trauma-focused mental health services.

· Provide evidence-based, trauma-informed treatment to clients meeting criteria for trauma services.

· Manage assigned clinical caseload based on service frequency and program expectations.

· Utilize preventive intervention strategies to reduce risk of harm to self or others.

· Provide outpatient counseling services including:

o Individual counseling

o Family counseling and caregiver training

o Group counseling and skill-building groups

· Provide CSI services to children and families receiving Medicaid-funded behavioral health services.

· Provide services to individuals with mental health, co-occurring, or substance use disorders consistent with DSM diagnostic criteria.

Documentation and Compliance

· Complete timely documentation of all case activities in accordance with CHRIS 180 policies.

· Maintain detailed case files and documentation in full compliance with regulatory standards.

· Complete Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) applications when required.

· Complete monthly progress summaries for clients in DFCS custody or receiving wraparound services.

· Maintain accurate billing documentation in accordance with CHRIS 180 compliance requirements.

Additional Responsibilities

· Attend and participate in required meetings, supervision sessions, and training programs.

· Adhere to CHRIS 180 Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics, and applicable Georgia regulations.

· Maintain strict confidentiality of consumer information.

· Promote and maintain a safe emotional and physical environment for consumers, staff, and stakeholders.

· Demonstrate professionalism and exceptional customer service in all interactions.

· Maintain required certifications and training documentation with Human Resources.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities. However, the Therapist may provide clinical guidance, mentorship, and support to behavioral health staff, interns, or trainees as assigned. The Therapist may also contribute clinical insight during multidisciplinary team meetings, case consultations, and program planning discussions.

All mentorship or guidance responsibilities occur under the direction of the Program Director and Clinical Supervisor and in accordance with CHRIS 180 policies and applicable licensing regulations.

Qualifications:

Minimum Requirements

· Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a related behavioral health field.

· Eligibility to obtain professional licensure.

· Strong understanding of child development, trauma, and behavioral health treatment.

· Ability to travel as required by program needs.

Preferred Skills and Experience

· Experience providing individual, family, and group therapy.

· Experience supporting youth and families in home or community-based settings.

· Clinical expertise in child development, behavioral dysfunction, treatment planning, and diagnosis.

· Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds.

· Strong decision-making skills focused on consumer safety and well-being.

· Ability to respond effectively to high-pressure situations while maintaining professional judgment.

Additional Competencies

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

· Strong technical knowledge of behavioral health practices and service delivery tools.

· Accountability for completing work accurately and within required timelines.

· Effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

· Strong verbal and written communication skills.

· Flexibility and openness to new approaches and ideas.

· Strong organizational and time management skills.

· Demonstrated commitment to the mission and vision of CHRIS 180.

Salary:47K-65K depending on experience and licensure.

Total Rewards for working at CHRIS 180:

• Competitive Salary
• Competitive 403 (b) benefit defined contribution plan.
• Healthcare insurance options including HMO or PPO
• Dental and vision insurance options
• Short term disability paid by CHRIS 180
• Basic life insurance 1x times your salary
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending accounts
• 15 paid holidays
• PTO
• Discounted college tuition for select colleges and universities

Work Schedule:

Typical schedule is Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Schedules are flexible based on program needs and site assignments.

Therapists are generally expected to work at least two evenings per week to accommodate youth and family appointments. Schedules may change with notice based on clinic needs, grants, projects, or program assignments.

Travel:

Travel may be required depending on program assignments. Therapists may provide services across multiple sites and must maintain reliable transportation. Mileage reimbursement is provided for travel outside of the employee’s regular commute.

Physical Demands:

The physical requirements described are representative of those necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Employees may be required to:

· Sit, stand, and walk for extended periods

· Reach with hands and arms

· Drive to various service locations

· Occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 20 pounds