Therapist - Youth Engagement Team YFS at Friends of Youth – Kirkland, Washington

The Mental Health Therapist on the Youth Engagement Team (YET) supports youth under the age of 18 who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The Therapist supports youth and their families who need conflict mediation, case management, and counseling support. The therapist must have a strong clinical background, knowledge of community and housing resources, experience mediating with families and adolescents, and teaching conflict resolution skills. The therapist will work to engage and motivate youth and families to participate in supportive services designed to prevent homelessness and maintain family reunification whenever possible.

The Therapist is a key member of the Behavioral Health team and plays a crucial role in providing support to the community.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, hourly

Union Status: Union

Reports To: Clinical Supervisor (Outpatient or Community)

essential duties

Clinical Services Tasks

Provide evidence-based and culturally responsive therapeutic interventions and services to youth who are systems involved, at risk of experiencing homelessness, and/or currently homeless or unstably housed.Engage youth and families facing imminent housing instability into case management services, ensuring timely and appropriate support.Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments and provide individual and family therapy, based on clinical needs and goals.Stay informed on best practices in crisis intervention and provide timely crisis support and stabilization to clients and within agency programs.Support youth and families in identifying core areas of conflict and facilitate individual and joint sessions to foster healthier communication and problem-solving.Convene and lead multidisciplinary team meetings using a wraparound approach, incorporating natural supports and family members to promote youth well-being.

Collaborate with internal staff to develop and implement short- and long-term service plans that strengthen family relationships and build sustainable support networks.Develop and implement aftercare support plans with youth and families; provide follow-up support, as appropriate.Partner with the Housing Navigator/case manger to connect youth and families to housing resources and other wraparound services, including education, employment, and health care.Provide client transportation throughout King County when necessary to support treatment and stability goals. Administrative Tasks

Participate in regular supervision meetings with the Clinical Supervisor to review cases, receive feedback, and support clinical growth.Attend team case consultations and relevant program or division meetings to ensure coordinated care and team collaboration.Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current on best practices, interventions, and diagnostic trends relevant to youth mental health.Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential clinical documentation in compliance with King County and Washington State WAC requirements.Make and track referrals to appropriate services that help youth and families meet their goals, including housing, employment, education, and healthcare supports.Collaborate with the Youth Engagement Team (YET) to strengthen interagency partnerships and enhance coordinated service delivery with partners such as YMCA, DCYF, LCYC, All Home, and advisory teams.Collect and input required client data into the agency’s database systems and report metrics and outcomes to the supervisor in a timely manner.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

job requirements

a.Education and Experience

Master’s degree in human services field.Licensed with the State of Washington as an LICSW/LSWAIC. LMHC/A, or LMFT/A.Minimum of 1-year relevant work experience with youth, young adults and/or families experiencing homelessness.Experience providing family support and/or counseling utilizing a wraparound approach.Advanced clinical competency in treating complex traumas and family dynamic issues utilizing a strengths-based holistic approach. Familiarity with Ecologically based family therapy, Functional Family Therapy training and/or Multi-Systemic Therapy preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of MS365 Power Platform.

b. Additional Requirements

Must satisfactorily pass criminal history check.Must satisfactorily pass tuberculosis (TB) test.Must have reliable transportation and a valid Washington State driver's license (or be able to obtain one by date of employment).Employees and volunteers who operate their own or Friends of Youth vehicles on Friends of Youth business, must have a safe driving record as defined by Friends of Youth. Employees and volunteers who operate their own vehicle(s) on Friends of Youth business must carry auto liability insurance that complies with the requirements of Friends of Youth. Must successfully complete the following health certification requirements within 30 days of employment: CPR, First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens.

We offer:

Generous time off including 15 vacation days per year, paid sick leave, 11 paid holidays, 2 social justice leave days per year for full-time employees Health insurance package including medical, dental, vision, 24/7 access to telehealth, long term disability and life insurance Retirement plan with match Transgender Health Benefits Friends of Youth is committed to equity and creating a diverse and inclusive work environment as an equal opportunity employer. We welcome, honor, and celebrate our clients, colleagues, and communities’ diverse identities and cultures. For more information, email hr@friendsofyouth.org.