Residential Therapist

Position Overview

Make a meaningful difference in the lives of youth and families experiencing challenging circumstances.

Youth Crisis Center (YCC) is seeking a compassionate, dedicated Residential Therapist to provide short-term counseling and therapeutic support within our Residential Crisis Care program. This role focuses on crisis intervention, prevention, emotional well-being, and helping youth and families develop the skills needed to navigate life's challenges.

The Residential Therapist works with individuals, families, and groups to address concerns such as family dynamics, parenting, communication difficulties, suicidal or homicidal ideation, anger management, self-esteem, peer relationships, grief and loss, behavioral challenges, mental health concerns, and school-related issues.

Through individualized treatment planning, counseling, case management, and collaboration with the treatment team, the Residential Therapist helps clients build resilience, strengthen relationships, and work toward positive outcomes.

A master's degree is required; professional clinical licensure is not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Understanding of human behavior, individual differences, personality, learning, motivation, and emotional development.

• Knowledge of counseling theories, psychological and social work research methods, and therapeutic approaches for behavioral, emotional, and mental health concerns.

• Understanding of individual, family, and group counseling methods, including assessment, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions.

• Knowledge of psychoeducational instruction, group facilitation, and methods for evaluating client progress and treatment outcomes.

• Understanding of group dynamics, societal influences, cultural differences, and the impact of social and environmental factors on individuals and families.

• Knowledge of professional counseling ethics, confidentiality requirements, and appropriate therapeutic boundaries.

• Understanding of child and adolescent development, family systems, and the challenges commonly experienced by at-risk youth.

• Familiarity with crisis intervention, de-escalation, and trauma-informed approaches to client care.

• Strong understanding of written English, including grammar, spelling, composition, and professional documentation standards.

Skills

• Active Listening: Give clients and families full attention, ask thoughtful questions, and demonstrate understanding without unnecessary interruptions.

• Social Awareness: Recognize emotional and behavioral responses and respond with empathy, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity.

• Critical Thinking: Evaluate information, identify potential concerns, and apply sound reasoning to treatment decisions and problem-solving.

• Service Orientation: Proactively identify opportunities to support clients, families, and colleagues.

• Continuous Learning: Apply new information and feedback to improve decision-making, therapeutic approaches, and professional performance.

• Communication: Clearly communicate treatment goals, concerns, and relevant information with clients, families, and team members.

• Organization: Manage caseload responsibilities, documentation, and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

• Conflict Resolution: Apply appropriate counseling and de-escalation techniques when navigating challenging situations.

Abilities

• Communicate information and ideas clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

• Listen to, understand, and appropriately interpret information shared by clients, families, and colleagues.

• Recognize potential problems, behavioral warning signs, and situations requiring additional support or intervention.

• Combine information from multiple sources to identify patterns, draw conclusions, and support informed decisions.

• Adapt counseling approaches to meet individual client and family needs.

• Remain calm, professional, and responsive in emotionally challenging or crisis situations.

• Establish positive therapeutic relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

• Work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Assessment and Treatment

• Conduct clinical assessments through client interviews, observation, and appropriate assessment methods.

• Complete and submit assessments for required signatures within established supervisory and agency timeframes.

• Develop individualized treatment plans with measurable goals that address identified client needs.

• Submit treatment plans for supervisory review and required signatures in accordance with agency policy.

• Provide weekly individual, family, and/or group counseling to clients and families assigned to the therapist's caseload.

• Address emotional, behavioral, interpersonal, and family-related concerns using appropriate counseling approaches.

• Recognize and respond to client safety concerns and crisis situations in accordance with agency procedures and supervisory guidance.

• Document counseling services, treatment progress, and relevant client information accurately and promptly.

Case Management and Client Support

• Provide case management, advocacy, and supportive services to clients throughout their participation in the program.

• Collaborate with treatment team members to coordinate services and address client and family needs.

• Connect clients and families with appropriate community resources and support services.

• Participate in treatment staffing meetings on designated days to review client progress and coordinate care.

Discharge Planning and Follow-Up

• Coordinate appropriate discharge referrals to support continuity of care.

• Complete and document client follow-up contacts within seven (7) days of discharge.

• Ensure discharge documentation and referrals are accurately recorded in the client's file.

• Complete case closures within designated timeframes established by the supervisor and agency policy.

Documentation and Compliance

• Enter required client information into designated data systems accurately, completely, and within established deadlines.

• Maintain organized, confidential, and up-to-date client records in accordance with agency policies and applicable requirements.

• Ensure clinical assessments, treatment plans, counseling notes, and other required documentation meet established standards.

• Follow agency policies, professional ethical guidelines, and applicable confidentiality requirements.

Professional Responsibilities and Collaboration

• Demonstrate effective organization and time management by meeting deadlines, responding to communications promptly, and managing assigned responsibilities.

• Apply critical thinking, flexibility, creativity, and sound judgment when addressing client needs and workplace challenges.

• Maintain a positive, respectful, and professional demeanor in verbal and nonverbal interactions.

• Provide excellent customer service and communicate effectively with clients, families, coworkers, supervisors, and community partners.

• Complete required training and professional development activities within established timeframes.

• Attend required meetings, treatment staffing sessions, and work-related training.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, or a related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the Florida Department of Education.

• Minimum of two (2) years of related experience in social work or counseling with at-risk youth and families.

• Valid Florida driver's license and safe driving record.

Professional clinical licensure is not required for this position.

Mathematical Skills and Reasoning Ability

Basic and/or advanced computational skills may be necessary to perform assigned responsibilities.

The Residential Therapist must demonstrate sound reasoning, critical thinking, and the ability to interpret information, evaluate situations, and make informed decisions.

Physical Demands

This position is primarily sedentary, with approximately 70% of work time spent sitting. Responsibilities may involve occasional standing, walking, and lifting or moving items weighing less than 25 pounds.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily within a residential crisis care setting, with occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions.

The noise level is generally moderate. The position involves interaction with youth and families experiencing emotional, behavioral, and situational challenges and requires professionalism, adaptability, and appropriate responses to client needs.

Make an Impact at Youth Crisis Center

At YCC, your work contributes to helping youth and families overcome challenges, strengthen relationships, and build healthier futures.

If you're passionate about supporting individuals during difficult times and making a meaningful difference in your community, we encourage you to apply.

Join our team and help create positive change for youth and families.