Community-Based Therapist

Community-Based Therapist Allentown, PA $74,000

• $76,000 a year
• Full-time $74,000
• $76,000 a year

•

Full-time Position Announcement:

Community-Based Therapist

ORGANIZATION

Ripple Community Inc. (RCI) is a nonprofit organization created in 2015 with the mission to nurture community and connection in Allentown by fostering a sense of community among our neighbors who have traditionally been marginalized and by cultivating connections across social boundaries. We are focused on reducing the rates of homelessness, housing instability, and social isolation in Allentown through our two core programs

• the RCI Village housing program and the Community Building Center (CBC).

The RCI Village Housing Program provides safe, healthy, deeply affordable housing for households that have experienced homelessness or housing instability. The Community Building Center serves as a trusted, safe, and consistent space where our all of our neighbors—regardless of their housing situation, mental health status, or other life challenges—can build and strengthen relationships based on mutual support. The CBC also houses our Service Hub, a dedicated space where partner organizations offer resources for health care, addiction recovery support, art therapy, and other services which holistically address the complexities of homelessness, housing instability, trauma, and mental health struggles.

POSITION

: Expanding on the CBC's services, the Community-Based Therapist is a licensed clinical therapist who brings clinical training and experience into an accessible, trusted, and familiar community environment where they reach and provide support for adults who are not yet ready to formally access substance use treatment or mental health services or who no longer wish to access such systems because of negative experiences. This role is embedded within our community setting and will implement informal, relational, individual and small group mental health services to RCI community members. The Community-Based Therapist will deliver trauma-informed, culturally responsive care, and facilitate connections to external formal clinical services when appropriate. The therapist will provide individual and group therapeutic support, support individuals affected by the opioid epidemic, support crisis intervention, and help connect community members to broader systems of care while honoring the lived experiences of our community members. The Community-Based Therapist will provide skilled, compassionate, on-demand support to individuals who are outside of the formal services system, including individuals suffering from substance use disorders such as opioid use disorder and individuals living with untreated severe and persistent mental illness and individuals.

HOURS AND SALARY

This is a full-time position with a salary of $74,000

• 76,000.

Benefits include a generous paid time off policy, eligibility for RCI's Healthcare Reimbursement Account plan, and a retirement benefit plan. This is an in-person position at our facility in Allentown, PA and follows a Tuesday through Saturday work week.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

: Reporting to the Community Building Center Director, the Community-Based Therapist will provide skilled, accessible, relationship-centered therapeutic support to RCI community members. They will create a novel pathway to care by meeting people where they are and reducing the barriers that often prevent individuals from accessing formal service systems. As a member of the Community Building Center team, they will provide senior-level support to ensure the CBC continues to serve as a safe and welcoming environment. Specific duties include, but are not limited to: Community member support o Offer informal walk-in and scheduled counseling services to adults in the Community Building Center environment. o Provide individual and group therapy using innovative and evidence-based modalities (e.g., Trauma-Focused CBT, harm reduction approaches, etc.). o Deliver crisis intervention, safety planning, and de-escalation support; coordinate with emergency services as appropriate. o Facilitate therapeutic groups on topics such as substance use, trauma recovery, emotional regulation, and community connection. o Work closely with CBC support staff, RCI Village housing staff, and provider partners to ensure integrated, whole-person care. o Facilitate warm referrals and transitions to higher levels of care, including inpatient, residential, and outpatient programs as needed. o Partner with community organizations, harm reduction programs, and social service agencies to connect clients with resources. CBC team leadership and operations o Contribute to a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally affirming environment at the Community Building Center. o Oversee the CBC and support staff in the absence of the CBC director. o Contribute as a member of the CBC team to daily tasks and activities that ensure the CBC runs smoothly. o Attend regular supervision sessions, team meetings, and all-staff meetings. Administration and program support o Maintain accurate documentation in accordance with regulatory standards and organizational systems. o Ensure appropriate compliance with HIPAA, mandated reporting obligations, and applicable state licensure requirements. o Participate in ongoing training in trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and co-occurring disorder treatment. o Advocate for clients' needs and rights within the organization and broader service system.

QUALIFICATIONS

:

• Minimum of 5 years of clinical experience or community-based mental health experience working with adults experiencing trauma, mental illness, substance use disorders, and/or homelessness.
• Current licensure in Pennsylvania (e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMFT, LMHC, PsyD, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and harm reduction frameworks.
• Strong crisis assessment, de-escalation, and intervention skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a non-traditional, community-based setting with an emphasis on meeting clients where they are.
• Openness to nontraditional individual and group-level work.
• Ability to respond appropriately and with compassion to challenging situations and crises.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
• A genuine enjoyment of people and a deep valuing of community and connection.
• Ability to be flexible in a demanding and dynamic environment.
• Administrative skillset which includes personal time management, reporting and evaluation tasks, and an ability to follow through on commitments.
• Fluency in English is required.

Fluency in Spanish is desirable.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Ripple Community Inc. is committed to creating and maintaining diversity and inclusion in the workforce. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or status as an individual with a disability. RCI is a growing organization, and we work to remain flexible and responsive to our community's needs. As such, our staff positions are subject to evolve along with our organization. As this is a new position within our organization, the successful candidate will play an important role in forming this position to best serve our community.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$74,000.00

• $76,000.

00 per year

Benefits:

Health savings account Paid time off People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply Application Question(s): Do you hold a current licensure in Pennsylvania (e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMFT, LMHC, PsyD, or equivalent)?

Education:

Master's (Required)

Experience:

clinical or community-based mental health: 5 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person