Family Preservation Therapists in Training are responsible for assisting families with skill development and management of mental health, substance use, maltreatment, trauma, and/or behavioral needs through evidence-based mental health services. The primary focus of this position is to preserve the placement of children and youth in their homes or aid in reunification efforts by partnering with families to achieve their identified goals.

To be effective, the Therapist in Training will primarily work with families in their homes and communities.

Primary Functions

• Build trusting relationships with children, youth, and families to effectively work towards achieving identified goals.
• Conduct formal assessment of individual and family needs using clinical interview, objective diagnostic tools, and input from collateral contacts.
• Documents work with children and families according to any applicable State and Federal regulations.
• Adhere to high ethical, professional, and legal standards such as Wisconsin State Statutes, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Counsel on Accreditation, American Psychological Association, American Counseling Association, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and National Association of Social Workers.
• Maintain detailed clinical records and make recommendations concerning case disposition.
• Complete reports as requested by Wood County Human Services.
• Develop treatment plans collaboratively with clients and provide agreed upon and necessary therapeutic services in keeping with strength-based, evidence-based best practice standards.
• Actively participate in clinical supervision meetings as required to meet best practice and licensure standards.

Additional Functions

• Apply trauma-informed care and practice inclusion and allyship in all activities and services. 
• Attend staff meetings, appropriate training and education, conferences, and clinical supervision. Demonstrate the ability to constructively utilize training and education provided.
• Any other duties as may be assigned.

Education: Required - Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy or related program.

Certification: Required - Eligibility for training license by meeting criteria set forth by Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. Clinical supervision will be provided.

Experience: Not Required - This position is ideal for an individual looking for an opportunity to work towards their clinical hours.

Transportation: Required - This position requires the staff member hold a valid driver’s license and use their personal vehicle. Mileage reimbursement is provided for all business-related travel.

Essential Skills:

• Effectively respond to crisis situations to foster safety for individuals, families, and natural supports.
• Remain strengths-based when individuals and families express varied responses and actions.
• Develop relationships with individuals and families by fostering trust.
• Maintain a strong vision of hope and belief that all families are capable of success, no exceptions.
• Work independently with strong sense of focus, task-oriented, nonjudgmental, open qualities, while maintaining a clear sense of boundaries.
• Practice cultural humility and allyship to cultivate an inclusive environment that creates a welcoming space for all identities, communities, tribes, cultures, and experiences.
• Uphold a strong sense of and respect for confidentiality involving both clients and fellow employees.
• Proficient use of technology, computers, and software.
• Basic everyday living skills, the ability to understand and follow directions (agency manuals, etc.), and reading and writing (for reports) is necessary.