Therapist - Hope House
Rockford, IL · On-site
About this role
Therapist- Rockford, IL
One Hope United's Hope Houses are designed as intimate, therapeutic foster homes situated within communities, and are structured to provide stability for youth aged 13-17 in a nurturing and stabilized family-like setting. Our approach focuses on trauma-informed care and innovative clinical practices, allowing therapists the necessary time and space to engage in meaningful therapy without the burdens of excessive paperwork or insurance This position is perfect for a therapist looking for fulfilling clinical work, flexible hours, and the chance to contribute to the development of a pioneering treatment environment from its foundation.
The Hope House Therapist offers trauma-informed mental health support to four youth in care, focusing on enhancing their emotional, behavioral, and social stability. As part of a collaborative interdisciplinary team, the therapist provides individual, family, and group therapy, leads treatment planning, partners with caregivers and external providers, and is integral to the comprehensive care strategy. This role blends conventional clinical practice with the flexibility to implement innovative therapeutic methods, all while enjoying robust program support, manageable caseloads, and the absence of billing demands.
What Makes This Role Unique?
The Hope House Therapist is a key member of a care team that consists of professional foster parents, youth care workers, and a nurse. This team provides comprehensive support to the youth by collaborating with local schools, community resources, and the youth’s case manager, ensuring a holistic approach to their care.
Position Perks
- No processing of Medicaid billing, insurance panels, or billing quotes
- Clinical work can be fully client focused, and not billing driven
- Ability to structure hours around youth needs, supporting work-life balance
- Small, sustainable caseload allowing more time to work with each youth issuing deeper clinical work and client rapport
- Leadership support, cross-department collaboration, and daily teamwork.
- Use of innovative modalities, along with the opportunity to enhance the current clinical structure for future Hope House expansion.
- Continues training and professional development
Essential Duties
- Conduct initial and comprehensive diagnostic assessments for youth referred to the program, ensuring a thorough understanding of each individual's unique needs and circumstances.
- Develop tailored treatment plans that utilize evidence-based practices and trauma-informed interventions, effectively addressing the specific challenges faced by each client.
- Provide engaging individual and group therapy sessions, fostering a safe and supportive environment that encourages personal growth and healing.
- Utilize youth and team’s feedback continuously to refine and adjust treatment strategies, ensuring that care remains responsive to evolving needs and goals.
- Serve as the primary clinical communicator, coordinating care among internal staff, schools, medical providers, and other key stakeholders to ensure a unified approach to the client’s well-being.
- Maintain comprehensive and organized clinical documentation, including progress notes, assessments, quarterly reports, treatment updates, and discharge summaries, to meet compliance and quality assurance standards.
- Actively participate in court hearings, lead multidisciplinary team meetings, and required staffing sessions as necessary, contributing clinical insights to support the clients care coordination.
- Monitor clients progress through the application of standardized clinical tools, assessing the effectiveness of interventions and identifying areas for continued improvement.
- Lead and facilitate therapeutic groups within the home, providing a structured setting for shared experiences and peer support.
- Provide crisis intervention when needed, supporting staff in de-escalation efforts to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment.
- Ensure that treatment plans incorporate input and insights from all providers involved in the client’s care, promoting a collaborative approach to treatment.
- Uphold the highest ethical and professional standards in all interactions, demonstrating a commitment to the welfare and dignity of each client.
Qualifications
Education
- MA/MS in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field; license-eligible
Experience
- One year of related clinical experience preferred
- Experience with youth, trauma, or residential settings is a plus, but not required
Other Requirements
- Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record
- Ability to meet OHU insurance requirements
- Strong documentation, communication, and crisis-response skills
- Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and sound judgment
Physical Demands & Work Environment
Therapists will work inside the Hope House environment and occasionally in community settings. Must be able to operate standard office equipment, drive to appointments, and interact with youth who may present unpredictable behaviors.
Why Join Hope Houses?
This is truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity in Illinois. Therapists here get:
- Time for real therapy
- Lower caseloads compared to outpatient or traditional residential
- No billing stress
- A cohesive team culture
- Flexibility to use creative and evidence-based practices
- Supportive supervisors who trust the clinician's judgment
- A stable, predictable environment designed intentionally for healing
- Growth opportunities as the Hope Houses expand
We Invest in You!
- Tuition assistance up to $2500 per year
- Up to 4 weeks paid Vacation Days, up to 6 paid Personal Days, and up to 5 paid Sick days annually
- Medical, dental, vision, 403b Retirement, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and short-term disability options
- Agency paid life up to $50K based on salary
- Voluntary Supplemental Life for Employee, Spouse, and Child(ren)
- Voluntary Legal Plans
- Agency paid long term after 1 year of employment
- Career ladders, professional development, and promotion opportunities
- Free LCSW and LCPC Supervision hours are available in some locations
A Different Kind of Employer One Hope United is strong and ready to grow. Are you ready to grow with us?
- 800+ talented professionals strong, serving 10,000 children and families in Illinois and Florida
- Fiscally stable, $70 Million agency-- strong since 1895
- Energetic leadership and a rich community of support
One Hope United does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. One Hope United is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. OHU participates in eVerify.
#HopeHousesIL
#INDBH
Company at a glance
One Hope United (OHU) is a nonprofit providing early childhood education, child and family services, clinical services, and residential programs for 130 years. We’re proud to serve over 10,000 children and families each year across Illinois and Florida. Through our evidence-based and trauma-informed practices, we empower children and families to see and create a future where, regardless of their past, they can reach their full potential.
Our Mission
One Hope United serves and advocates for the thriving of children, youth, and families through quality early childhood education, residential care, child welfare, and mental health services.
Our Vision
One Hope United seeks to advance child and family services through effective evidence-based practices, policy that focuses on nurturing healthy families, and partnerships that extend its reach.
Founded1895
Team Size501-1,000 employees
WorkspaceOn-site
IndustryIndividual and Family Services
Location
Rockford, Illinois, United States
Websiteonehopeunited.org
LinkedInLinkedIn
Top Benefits
- Tuition assistance
- Paid vacation days
- Paid personal days
- Paid sick days
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 403b retirement plan
- Flexible spending accounts
- Health savings account
- Short-term disability
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability
- Professional development
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