Your Purpose. Their Hope.  For over 46 years, A Safe Place has been a beacon of hope in Lake County, empowering survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking to rebuild their lives. Join our mission to provide safety, foster independence, and create brighter future 

Behavioral Health Services focuses on providing comprehensive mental health support, including therapy and crisis intervention, tailored to individuals affected by domestic violence and trauma. We emphasize a trauma-informed approach, offering both direct services and community outreach to foster recovery and resilience among survivors.

Your role: Behavioral Health Therapist

As the Behavioral Health Therapist, you'll offer critical therapy services to children and adults impacted by domestic violence, expanding on your initial Therapist I competencies. With a defined career advancement opportunity to Therapist III or IV upon securing Illinois clinical licensure (LCSW, LCPC), A Safe Place demonstrates its dedication to your professional development and to enriching the support available to survivors.

What you’ll be doing:

•  Conduct client assessments, evaluations, and develop tailored treatment plans for therapy.
• Manage waitlists, supervise interns, and assist with program development tasks.
• Complete intake paperwork, assessments, and establish treatment plans during sessions.
• Provide in-person and telehealth therapy services using trauma-informed approaches.
• Deliver psychoeducation on violence cycles, legal support, and survivor recovery.
• Use Bio/Psycho/Social/Spiritual Model for comprehensive, person-centered client care.
• Apply Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused Therapy to improve outcomes.
• Commit to supporting survivors and fostering a violence-free society.
• Engage clients authentically while maintaining clear boundaries.
• Demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds
• Align practices with professional ethics, such as the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Work effectively as part of the team; collaborating effectively across the organization.
• Actively participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and team activities.
• Perform other organizational and program-related duties as assigned.
• Complete IM+CANS certification, 40-hour Domestic Violence, and other required training.

What you’ll bring:

• Master's degree in social work, counseling, or related field.
• Valid Illinois LPC, LSW, or similar licensure.
• Bilingual Spanish is preferred.
• 1yr + experience with providing clinical services (individual therapy, group therapy, mental health case management, or other related experience).
• 1yr + experience working with/engaging with survivors of trauma.
• Skilled in developing and presenting programs using technology for awareness. 
• Valuable experience managing administrative tasks and supervising or assisting students. 
• Familiarity with domestic violence dynamics and survivor challenges.
• Experience in crisis intervention, case management, or advocacy.
• Committed to supporting survivors, fostering a violence-free, collaborative society.
• Awareness of the unique challenges faced by diverse survivor populations.
• Strong trauma-informed skills, communication, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Cultural competence and allyship for LGBTQIA and BIPOC DV survivors.
• Effective time management, organizational, and prioritization skills.
• Familiarity with electronic medical records is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license, and active auto insurance required.

What you'll experience:

• Primary Working Hours:  Schedules typically range from 10 AM–6 PM, 11 AM–7 PM, or 12 PM–8 PM, with flexibility to accommodate client needs and group therapy sessions. 
• Location Flexibility: Primarily based at the Zion main campus, with required travel to satellite offices in Gurnee, Grayslake, Mundelein, Lake Forest, and Round Lake Beach twice a week.
• Professional office settings and secure shelters.
• 70% direct service commitment (60% for supervisors).
• Active participation in 70% of staff meetings.
• Commitment to 2–4-hour shifts for holiday shelter coverage, as needed.
• Travel may be required for client supply pickups, outreach, and training.
• Occasional lifting to 20 pounds, navigating stairs, or moving across facilities. Reasonable accommodation will be provided as needed.

Compensation:

• Salary Rate: $55,000 to $62,500 annually, paid bi-weekly (26 pay periods).
• Compensation Factors: Based on grant funding, skills, experience, and expertise.
• Full-Time Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending account (FSA); 401(k); paid time off; Employee Assistance Program; and a company-paid lunch break.
• Other Roles: While benefits are not included, part-time, intern, and contractor positions offer valuable experience and flexibility.

Why Join Us?

Be a part of a mission-driven team transforming lives daily.

Contribute to fostering independence and stability for survivors.

Gain professional experience in a compassionate, collaborative environment.

Commitment to Inclusion:
A Safe Place is an equal-opportunity employer that celebrates diversity and supports an inclusive work environment.

Take the Next Step.
Join A Safe Place and be the difference in someone’s journey to healing and independence. Apply today and transform lives — including your own.