Clinical Therapist

Pay: $70,000.00 per year

Job Description

The LINK & Option Center, INC.

Job Description

Program: Clinical Services Position

Title: Therapist (Behavioral Health)

Reports To: Director of Clinical Operations

Education Required: Master’s Degree

Employment Status: Full-Time FLSA Status: Exempt

Organizational Overview

The Link & Option Center, Inc. (TLOC) is a Joint Commission–accredited outpatient Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) serving the Southland region with locations in South Holland and Hazel Crest, Illinois. Founded in 1995, TLOC provides comprehensive behavioral health services including assessment, psychiatry, therapy, crisis services, case management, and care coordination.

TLOC is committed to delivering culturally competent, person-centered care that addresses both behavioral health needs and the social determinants impacting overall well-being. Through early identification, prevention, and treatment, TLOC strives to improve quality of life and strengthen the communities it serves.

Position Summary

The Clinical Therapist provides outpatient behavioral health services to adult clients through individual, family, and group therapy. The therapist conducts clinical assessments, develops treatment plans, and implements evidence-based therapeutic interventions designed to improve client functioning and recovery outcomes.

This position operates within a multidisciplinary treatment model and requires collaboration with psychiatry, case management, and other providers to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care.

To support access to care and client engagement, Clinical Therapists must maintain a flexible clinical schedule that includes evening and periodic weekend availability based on client needs and program operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Assessment and Treatment

• Conduct comprehensive behavioral health assessments.
• Determine diagnoses using DSM-5 diagnostic criteria.
• Develop and maintain Individual Treatment Plans (ITPs) in collaboration with clients.
• Provide individual, family, and group therapy using evidence-based practices.
• Monitor client progress toward treatment goals and adjust treatment interventions as necessary.
• Engage family members or significant support in treatment when clinically appropriate.

Care Coordination

• Collaborate with other providers to coordinate client care.
• Coordinate services with external providers and community agencies.
• Participate in multidisciplinary case consultations and treatment team meetings.

Crisis Intervention

• Respond appropriately to behavioral health crises.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement safety planning when necessary.
• Coordinate higher levels of care when clinically indicated.

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in the agency Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Ensure documentation meets requirements for Illinois Medicaid Rule 132 and Rule 140, including:

• Assessments - Treatment plans
• Progress notes - Treatment procedures
• Discharge summaries

• Complete billing documentation consistent with agency policies and regulatory standards.

Productivity and Caseload Expectations

Clinical Therapists are expected to maintain a clinical workload that supports client access to care and program productivity standards.

Expectations Include

• Providing approximately 32 hours of direct clinical services per week.
• Maintaining an active caseload consistent with agency standards and treatment frequency.
• Ensuring scheduled appointment availability supports timely client access and continuity of care.
• Minimizing unused appointment slots and collaborating with scheduling staff to maintain efficient schedules.

Scheduling and Access to Care Requirements

Clinical Therapists must maintain a schedule that supports client access to behavioral health services.

Expectations Include

• Maintaining a daily clinic schedule from 10am to 6pm; 11am to 7pm; or 12pm to 8pm.
• Maintaining 30–34 available appointment slots per week for direct clinical services.
• Maintaining flexibility to accommodate evening and periodic weekend appointments based on client needs.
• Participating in extended-hour or weekend clinic coverage when scheduled by leadership.

Client Engagement Responsibilities

Clinical Therapists are responsible for supporting client engagement and retention in services by:

• Conducting outreach following missed appointments.
• Addressing barriers to treatment participation.
• Collaborating with care teams to improve engagement.
• Adjusting treatment strategies when engagement challenges arise.

Quality Improvement and Compliance

Clinical Therapists participate in ongoing quality improvement initiatives designed to improve service delivery and client outcomes.

Responsibilities May Include

• Participation in clinical chart reviews
• Peer review activities
• Performance improvement initiatives
• Compliance monitoring activities

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related behavioral health field.
• Eye Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EDMR) certification is preferred
• 1–3 years of clinical experience preferred; new graduates may be considered.
• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based practices for individuals with serious mental illness.
• Knowledge of Illinois Medicaid Rule 132 documentation standards preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to establish rapport with diverse client populations.

Professional Competencies

Successful Candidates Will Demonstrate

• Cultural competence and sensitivity to diverse populations.
• Strong clinical assessment and treatment planning skills.
• Effective crisis management abilities.
• Professionalism and ethical practice.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Work Environment

This position operates in a community behavioral health outpatient setting serving a diverse client population. The role involves direct interaction with clients, clinical staff, and community partners.

Physical Requirements

This role requires the ability to sit for extended periods while completing documentation, conduct therapy sessions, and operate standard office and computer equipment.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person