As a recognized leader in our field, The Guidance Center provides a broad range of services that have helped children, adults and families unlock potential and build better lives since 1958. With 25 programs we offer treatment, prevention, growth and education services to more than 18,000 people annually. Together we: Nurture development. Foster resilience. Cultivate well-being.

This position offers a $3,000 sign-on bonus!

As an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist, you will be responsible for providing intensive home-based services to pregnant women and families with children aged from birth through 6 years old who meet criteria for the program. The therapist will provide a variety of services including parent-child psychotherapy, play therapy, developmental assessment and guidance, case management, classroom consultation, and provision of concrete services. Services are delivered in the home and community based on the needs of the individual family. 

Specific responsibilities include:

• Develop therapeutic relationships with families and their very young children.
• Assess the needs of the infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their families
• Monitor child development using developmental assessments.
• Provide parent-child psychotherapy and play therapy.
• Crisis intervention; including crisis phone contacts.
• Provide parents with education and resources pertaining to child and family development.
• Parent education, coaching and training.
• Coordinate services with other professionals involved with the family.
• Advocate on behalf of children and their families to help them meet their needs.
• Assist families in scheduling evaluations as needed.
• Help identify and eliminate barriers to services.
• Assess client satisfaction with interventions.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with people and organizations in the community.
• Make referrals to Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services as needed.
• Participate in reflective supervision, team meetings, reflective case consultations and trainings.
• Complete clinical documentation in a timely manner consistent with policies and procedures of The Guidance Center.
• Develop, maintain, and review complete case records.
• Maintain flexible work schedules.
• Follow a professional code of ethics.
• Represent The Guidance Center in the community.
• Abide by the spirit and letter of the policies and procedures of The Guidance Center.
• Achieve productivity goals.
• Maintain a caseload as outlined in the Medicaid Home-Based service guidelines.
• Must provide evidence of 25 hours of program and/or position specific training on an annual basis.
• Other duties as assigned.

To qualify for this position, you will need the following:

• Must have a minimum of a Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology or Counseling and possess the corresponding State of Michigan licensure
• Candidates without a state license can be considered but must obtain state licensure (LLMSW, LLPC, TLLP, LMSW, LPC or LLP) within a 60-day training period beginning on the date of hire. This period may be extended by up to an additional 60 days of training at the sole discretion of the employer. Failure to obtain licensure within the training period will result in the employee being unqualified to perform work functions. Beyond the training period, all state licensure must continually remain active, in effect, and free from disciplinary action.
• Candidates will meet criteria for Child Mental Health Professional credential within 120 days of hire.
• Must have one year of supervised experience in the examination, evaluation, and treatment of minors and their families.
• Candidates should be working toward a level II or III MI-AIMH Endorsement, which can be earned during the first two years of employment.
• Additional requirements include: knowledge of child development, a non-judgmental approach that reflects cultural sensitivity to the unique and diverse experiences of families served, the ability to assess and intervene within complex family and community systems, and a willingness to be flexible, patient and creative.
• Candidate must demonstrate competencies in the following areas: observation of parent/child interaction, developmental assessment, diagnostic skills, understanding of the parallel process in therapeutic work, and collaboration with internal and external providers.
• Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and appropriate driving record. Must be able to obtain a chauffeur’s license within 30 days of hire.
• Hours are based on client availability. Some evening hours will need to be flexed from the 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM workday to accommodate client work schedules.

The Guidance Center believes that our team members are our most valuable resources, and we invest in them accordingly. We offer our employees a competitive salary, flexible scheduling opportunities, a team-oriented work environment and much more!

The Guidance Center is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a welcoming place for everyone.