Therapist

Department

Mental Health  

Reports To 

Clinical Coordinator

Education Requirement 

Master’s Degree

MSW required, LMSW or LCSW strongly preferred

2 years of experience working with youth required, preferably with queer and trans, homeless populations

FLSA

Non- Exempt 

Salary

64,800

Schedule

TBD

 Competencies

1. Clinical Expertise

• Demonstrates proficiency in conducting comprehensive mental health and substance use assessments.
• Applies evidence-based therapeutic techniques (e.g., motivational interviewing, CBT, behavioral activation) to meet diverse client needs.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of DSM-5 diagnoses and clinical best practices.
• Effectively develops and monitors treatment plans and safety plans with a harm reduction and trauma-informed lens.

2. Client-Centered Care

• Provides compassionate, nonjudgmental care that prioritizes client dignity, autonomy, and choice.
• Adapts therapeutic approaches to address the unique needs of LGBTQ+, homeless, and marginalized populations.
• Engages clients in a manner that builds trust and supports long-term engagement in services.

3. Crisis Intervention & Safety

• Demonstrates competence in risk assessment, crisis de-escalation, and suicide prevention.
• Responds effectively to emergencies and collaborates with care teams to ensure client safety.
• Balances immediate crisis needs with long-term therapeutic goals.

 5. Communication

• Communicates clearly and professionally in both verbal and written forms, including clinical documentation.
• Provides psychoeducation to clients, families, and staff in a way that is accessible and culturally responsive.
• Actively participates in treatment planning, staff meetings, and clinical supervision.

6. Cultural Competence & Anti-Oppressive Practice

• Applies a strong understanding of systemic barriers impacting LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and homeless communities.
• Incorporates anti-oppressive frameworks into therapeutic work.
• Provides affirming and inclusive care for queer, trans, and gender-expansive clients.

Qualifications

• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to multitask and manage different priorities under pressure.
• Ability to work independently and with others.
• Experience working with adolescents/young adults.
• Knowledge of psychosocial needs of LGBTQ/homeless population.
• Knowledgeable in the skills of clinical assessment and therapeutic engagement.
• Ability to use resources to problem solve.
• Competence in conducting safety and risk assessments, including suicide and crisis intervention.
• Experience providing trauma informed, antioppressive, and harm reduction care.
• Knowledge of DSM-5 diagnoses is required.

Technical Skills 

• Computer literacy, including knowledge of basic software applications (Google suite).
• Familiarity with the internet and email communications.
• Enters data and produces reports using agency systems with accuracy and attention to detail.

FULL-TIME BENEFITS & PTO

• Paid sick, vacation, personal, 12 holidays 
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 4O1k (matching) 
• EAP program 

Multilanguage speaking candidates are encouraged to apply (Spanish, French, etc.).  Transgender and gender non-conforming people are encouraged to apply. People with lived experience of homelessness encouraged to apply. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color encouraged to apply.  

The Ali Forney Center is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.