Mental Health Therapist III
NATIONAL YOUTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM·Homewood, Illinois
NATIONAL YOUTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM·Homewood, Illinois
Provide individual, group, and family mental health services and case management to youth and families in the community. Coordinate various social, medical, and educational services while maintaining documentation and supporting family reunification efforts.
Under the general supervision of the Clinical Supervisor or designee, this position works to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and families served. This position works closely with youth, family, foster parents, and community partners, providing advocacy and support toward the ultimate goal of living safely and successfully in the community. Provides mentoring and support to employees within assigned department or program Salary: $60,000 - $62,000, based on experience Schedule: 9a - 5p, Flexible to meet the needs of persons served Responsibilities Actively supports, represents, and extends the mission, vision, and values of the organization. Provides appropriate individual, group, and family mental health services, case management, transportation, and other professional services, meeting or exceeding established outcomes thresholds on behalf of persons served. Travels daily, to provide community based services to, and on behalf of, youth and families in compliance with organizational, contract, and regulatory requirements. Completes all required documentation in a timely manner. Completes all required training in a timely manner. Consistently achieves established productivity thresholds. Coordinate and monitor services for the youth and family in the community, including but not limited to, mental health, medical, educational, psychological, vocational, and social services. Regularly reviews and modifies youth based plans to assure consistent progress and success on written plan goals. Establishes and maintains strong relationship with assigned foster parents and families of origin. Assists in family reunification and/or stabilization efforts with the youth’s primary family or other permanent living arrangement consistent with the youth’s case plan. Provides safety assessment, crisis response, and behavioral stabilization services as required to assure safety and stability for youth served. Participates in the Continuous Quality Improvement activities on a monthly/quarterly basis. Actively participates in the weekly supervision process.
Master’s Degree in Social Work or comparable Human Services field from an accredited institution. 2 years of work experience working in direct service with youth and families strongly preferred. A valid advanced professional license preferred: LPC, LCPC, LMFT, or LMSW preferred, or license-eligible. Holds an advanced degree/specialized training certification(s) that supports or advances the needs of the program. A willingness to work flexible and non-traditional hours in the service of foster caregivers, families of origin, and persons served. Capacity to be flexible and responsive to youth served, foster caregivers, system partners, and internal customers. Capacity to remain objective and professional in all areas of job function. Demonstrates tolerance and respect for the ideas and actions of others. Capacity to effectively work with and be respectful and sensitive to persons from various cultures, socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, and racial backgrounds. Demonstrates strategic and critical thinking resulting in effective time and task management. Demonstrated ability to coach others, transferring knowledge and information in easily understandable terms. Capacity to interpret and apply organizational policies and procedures. Demonstrated capacity to remain objective yet connected, manages reactivity and self-regulates in response to challenges. Proficient use of desktop and laptop computers, smart phones and tablets, printers, fax machines and photocopiers as well as software including word processing, spreadsheet and database programs. Driving and Vehicle Requirements Valid driver’s license Reliable personal transportation Good driving record Minimum automobile insurance coverage of $100,00/$300,000 bodily injury liability If this describes YOU, please apply today! www.nyap.org/employment
National Youth Advocate Program has been serving communities and clients since 1978 and we continue to grow each year. Our growth allows us to expand and develop new and innovative programs to meet the ever-changing needs of those we serve. We offer unique and personalized services for families and individuals in four areas: Prevention/Intervention, Positive Youth Development, Out-of-Home-Placement and Reunification/Permanency. We know you are compassionate and dedicated to serving your clients and communities and NYAP is dedicated to providing support to those who join our team! We look for individuals that are ready to make a direct impact and are excited to be an instrument in supporting the needs of our children, youth, and families. An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. Who we are National Youth Advocate Program has been serving communities and clients since 1978 and we continue to grow each year. Our growth allows us to expand and develop new and innovative programs to meet the ever-changing needs of those we serve. We offer unique and personalized services for families and individuals in four areas: Prevention/Intervention, Positive Youth Development, Out-of-Home-Placement and Reunification/Permanency.
Requires a Master's Degree in Social Work or a comparable Human Services field. A valid professional license (LPC, LCPC, LMFT, or LMSW) and a valid driver's license with reliable transportation are preferred or required.
Market context
Behavioral health positions in Illinois often draw steady interest because employers look for licensed or graduate-prepared candidates who can work in clinical, community, or care-coordination settings. This role is competitive because the required background is specific—either a master’s degree in a human services field or an active Illinois RN license, with behavioral health experience preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your licensure, degree, and setting experience before applying.