Child Therapist/ Part Time

Do you believe helping a child feel heard can change the direction of their future? Are you an experienced child therapist who loves using play, creativity, and connection to help young clients work through life's most difficult challenges?

If this sounds like you, we'd love to connect!

About Us

At Specialized Forensic Unit PC, we're committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children, adolescents, adults, and families through compassionate, evidence-based mental health services.

As a licensed, private, non-governmental clinic serving Illinois, Wisconsin, and Florida, we provide comprehensive psychological evaluations and individualized treatment tailored to each person's unique needs.

Our professional team includes doctoral and master's-level clinicians who work with courts, attorneys, correctional facilities, healthcare providers, and individuals to provide objective assessments and effective treatment. You can learn more about us at sfunit.com

The Opportunity

We're looking for an experienced, compassionate Child & Adolescent Therapist who understands the importance of meeting children where they are emotionally and developmentally.

This role is ideal for someone with a background in play therapy who enjoys building relationships with young clients, helping them express difficult emotions, and developing individualized approaches to support their growth and healing.

You'll work with children and adolescents experiencing emotional, behavioral, social, and trauma-related challenges. Some clients may also be navigating complex family circumstances or involvement with the legal system.

You'll have the opportunity to apply your existing clinical skills while gaining exposure to the specialized world of forensic mental health. This is a collaborative environment where clinical insight, thoughtful communication, and a genuine passion for helping others matter. This is more than providing therapy. It's helping children feel understood, supported, and empowered to move forward.

What You'll Do

Provide individual, group, and family therapy to children and adolescents using play therapy, art therapy, CBT, and other evidence-based approaches.

• Conduct clinical assessments, interviews, and observations to identify emotional and behavioral needs.
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on each child's age, development, and circumstances.
• Build trusting relationships with children who may have experienced trauma or difficulty expressing their feelings.
• Work closely with parents, foster parents, and caregivers to support each child's progress.
• Collaborate with other clinicians, community providers, attorneys, and criminal justice professionals when appropriate.
• Participate in case conferences and coordinate referrals to community resources.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation, treatment plans, and progress notes.
• Monitor progress and adjust treatment approaches to support positive outcomes.
• Continue developing your clinical expertise through training and professional development.

Requirements

• What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?
• Master's or doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related mental health discipline.
• Licensed, pre-licensed, or license-eligible in Illinois as an LSW, LPC, LCPC, LCSW, or clinical psychologist.
• At least 2 years of experience providing therapy to children, particularly using play therapy.
• Experience or interest in forensic mental health, trauma-informed care, or working with the criminal justice system.
• Strong understanding of child development and age-appropriate therapeutic techniques.
• Ability to recognize nonverbal communication and help children express complex emotions.
• Empathetic, patient, and comfortable working with diverse populations and challenging circumstances.
• Strong communication, clinical documentation, and report-writing skills.
• Spanish fluency is a plus!

Schedule & Work Environment

Enjoy a Part Time in office work arrangement at our Chicago, IL office. The Schedule is: Monday-Thursday 3pm-8pm. Pay is competitive based on experience and licensing.

Why This Opportunity?

• Make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families.
• Use creative, relationship-based approaches to help children communicate and heal.
• Work alongside experienced doctoral- and master's-level clinicians.
• Expand your experience into the specialized field of forensic mental health.
• Enjoy a hybrid environment with both in-person and telehealth services.
• Be part of an organization committed to objective, compassionate, and effective mental health care.

Ready to use your clinical experience to make a lasting difference? We'd love to hear from you!