Child & Family Trauma Therapist

Job Summary:

The Child & Family Trauma Therapist supports children and families on their path to healing after trauma. As part of a Child Advocacy Center team, this role provides compassionate, evidence-based therapy and collaborates with caregivers and community partners to foster safety, resilience, and long-term well-being. This position is located at our West Plains Center.

General Duties and Essential Functions:

Provide direct clinical services to children, youth, and families impacted by child abuse including physical and sexual abuse, witness to violence, and neglect using evidence-based and trauma focused modalities. Conduct comprehensive, trauma informed assessments and develop individualized treatment plans to address the impact of abuse, neglect, and other adverse experiences on children and caregivers. Provide psychoeducation to children and caregivers regarding abuse, neglect, and common responses to trauma. Actively involve non-offending caregivers in the therapeutic process and support healthy caregiver-child relationships. Participate as a mental health representative on the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), providing clinical input and consultation to CAC staff and MDT partners as appropriate and within role boundaries. Attend and participate in MDT case review meetings in accordance with NCA standards to coordinate services and support child- and family-centered decision-making. Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential clinical documentation in accordance with agency policies, NCA accreditation standards, and applicable state and federal regulations, completing documentation within 24 hours of sessions (excluding weekends and holidays). Communicate appropriately with MDT members, community partners, and other professionals regarding client progress, in compliance with confidentiality requirements, releases of information, and role separation guidelines. Enter required program, service, and outcome data accurately and in a timely manner to support NCA accreditation, reporting, and quality assurance processes. Complete required trainings, certifications, and ongoing professional development in accordance with NCA accreditation standards, evidence-based practice requirements, and agency expectations. Adhere to ethical standards of practice, mandated reporting laws, and agency policies and procedures, including maintaining appropriate boundaries between therapeutic and forensic roles. Provide culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate, and trauma-informed care that is inclusive of diverse identities, family systems, and lived experiences.

Requirements:

Background experience: Master's degree in a mental health-related field from an accredited institution. Current independent clinical licensure in the state of Missouri (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or equivalent). Minimum of three (3) years of post-licensure clinical experience providing services to children who have experienced abuse or neglect and their non-offending caregivers. Knowledge, skills, and abilities: Ability to work collaboratively as a team and with other individuals and agencies. Must be self-motivated with an ability to work independently, without a great deal of supervision. Initiative, dependability, flexibility, and strong organizational skills. Attention to detail and accuracy related to documentation and data collection. Demonstration of cultural humility toward diversity of human experience including race, religion, ethnicity, mental and physical abilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, education, and cultural heritage. Trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and/or Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) strongly preferred. Confidence to express thoughts, and reflective receptivity to feedback. Understanding of child maltreatment, including sexual abuse and assault. Knowledge of and sensitivity to family systems and child victimization.

Special Requirements:

Satisfactory criminal background investigation and a CA/N screening as a condition of employment. Basic computer skills. Visual acuity necessary to read and develop CAC materials. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds. Ability to function harmoniously in a small but busy workplace as part of a multidisciplinary team. Willingness to work some evening hours to accommodate client schedules. Willingness to accommodate limited travel, including training as required for national standards. Must acknowledge and adhere to the CAC's confidentiality policy and procedures and must adhere strictly to the highest professional ethics, confidentiality, discretion, and judgment. Contribute to a positive supportive work environment Is deeply committed to the mission and, as a result, is a strong ambassador and champion for the work of the CAC. Exhibits a willingness to engage in continuous improvement efforts through training and professional development experiences. Acts as a team player, recognizing that the success of the organization rests not on a single individual but on the work of the entire team. Identifies not only problems but possible solutions and is proactive in working to improve work environment and CAC experience for all. Demonstrates personal commitment and accountability for their work and does not look to identify coworkers who presented obstacles. Actively practices self-care. Promote a trauma-responsive approach throughout The Child Advocacy Center.

NOTE:

Even if you do not think you meet every qualification, please apply! We would hate to miss an amazing candidate, and we know that sometimes people do not apply if they do not have every exact criteria. You might be a great fit! Additional Benefits 90% of Health insurance is paid by the CAC 15 paid Holidays in addition to paid vacation and sick time Salary commensurate with experience About the

Child Advocacy Center:

Founded in 1995, the Child Advocacy Center provides abused and neglected children in Southern Missouri with a safe place to talk about their experiences and begin their healing journey. The team of professional advocates, forensic interviewers, and medical personnel work in collaboration with multidisciplinary team members to investigate allegations of child maltreatment and ensure safety for children and their non-offending caregivers. At the Child Advocacy Center, we believe that the work we do gives children and families the hope they need to be resilient in the face of trauma and uncertainty. We have hope that our children and families can get better, and that we are a critical part of that journey. We also believe that we can continuously improve the work we do, and we know that we have the talent, passion, and commitment needed to make that happen. Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is an

Equal Opportunity Employer Application Process:

Please send a cover letter and resume to Jennifer Leek, Clinical Services Director at jleek@childadvocacycenter.org. Hand-delivered applications will not be accepted.

Job Types:

Full-time, Part-time Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person