Come join a committed team of professionals dedicated to service! 

Safe Shores –The D.C. Children’s Advocacy Center is an organization striving for excellence as a service provider and as a workplace. Safe Shores values respect, honesty, trustworthiness, professionalism, learning and growth, taking care to give care, innovation, teamwork, and collaboration.  

Please note that to minimize the spread of COVID-19, Safe Shores employees are currently teleworking. This position will be expected to work from the Safe Shores Washington, DC office once we determine it is safe to do so. 

We provide a rich and robust employee benefits package, which includes paid time off, paid holidays, medical, dental and vision insurances; short- and long-term disability income replacement, life insurance, professional development, wellness programs and more. 

We are currently searching for an experienced Child and Adolescent Therapist. This is a part-time exempt position, with a salary range of $27,500 to $37,500. 

Summary 

This part-time position (24 hours per week) provides therapeutic services to help children and caregivers cope with and recover from experiences of child sexual or physical abuse or exposure to other violent crime.  This position requires mandatory reporting for child abuse and neglect under the District of Columbia Statute § 4-1321.02. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.   

• Conduct psycho-social assessments with children, adolescents, and parents to identify strengths, needs, and appropriate interventions. 
• Conduct therapeutic sessions with children and adolescents; develop case goals and document progress. 
• Maintain and assure quality and confidentiality of electronic and paper files and statistical tracking. 
• Participate in individual clinical supervision, case review, program peer review, and in-service trainings. 
• Provide non-offending family members with clinical consultation, parent education, and therapeutic referrals. 
• Facilitate psychoeducational and treatment groups for children, adolescents and caregivers. 
• Respond in a timely and appropriate manner to assess and deescalate crisis situations with clients. 
• Participate in on-going training and professional development activities.  
• Share appropriate information with Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) partners; collaborate with team members in planning care for children/adolescents and arranging services. 
• Consult with members of the MDT as requested or as deemed necessary. 
• Participate in MDT and organization-wide planning efforts and events. 

COMPETENCIES 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required.  

Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data. 

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics. 

Client Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional situations; Responds promptly to client/patient; Solicits feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments. 

Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things. 

Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. 

Ethics - Treats everyone with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and acts morally; Upholds organizational cultural values. 

Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position.  

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS 

• Master’s or Doctorate degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or related field 
• Minimum two (2) years professional experience. 
• Graduate or clinical licensure in the District of Columbia as a LGSW, LGPC, LICSW, LPC or LMFT; will consider candidates that can be licensed in the District of Columbia within 30-60 days. 
• Academic or post-graduate training in trauma-focused interventions.  
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally to a variety of individuals and groups.  
• Ability to communicate effectively with children and adolescents, ranging in age from 3 to 18 years of age, as well as with their adult caregivers.   
• Familiarity with and a disposition toward the multi-disciplinary team approach to the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Academic or post-graduate training in Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. 
• Experience working in a Children’s Advocacy Center setting. 
• Knowledge of investigative, social services and legal system in the District of Columbia. 
• Oral and written Spanish fluency. 

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS 

• Demonstrated knowledge with different theoretical and intervention models including family systems, developmental theories, attachment theories, crisis intervention theories, the dynamics of intra-and extra-familial child abuse, and the DSM-V.   
• Superb interpersonal skills; high level of cultural competence. Superior organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to work independently and as a contributing team member.  Ability to successfully pass Child Protection Registry clearance and criminal background check. 

COMPUTER/TECHNOLOGY SKILLS 

Must be PC proficient and able to thrive in a fast -pace setting. Must have strong experience with computer technology and equipment and Microsoft Office 365, Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to touch or feel a computer, keyboard, monitor, telephone, Smart Phone, and talk or hear when interacting with employees. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and sit. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee may regularly lift and /or move 15 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

Candidates must submit all the following information to be considered for the position: 

1. Resume 
2. Cover letter indicating your interest in the position and how your experiences will benefit Safe Shores
3. Writing sample
4. Proof of Licensure in the District of Columbia or statement regarding license eligibility 
5. Three professional references (must include: name, current title, address, email and phone number) 

*For the writing sample and proof of Licensure in the District of Columbia or statement regarding license eligibility, please be sure to upload these files under "Upload Additional Files" within the application. 

Safe Shores – The DC Children’s Advocacy Center conducts pre-employment background checks on all selected candidates.  If you are a finalist, we will investigate your background, employment history, references, and any related employment matters to determine your suitability of employment. 

By submitting this application, you understand the above statement and authorize all persons and entities contacted by Safe Shores – The DC Children’s Advocacy Center to provide any relevant information regarding your current or previous employment and you release all persons and entities contacted by Safe Shores – The DC Children’s Advocacy Center, of all claims for providing such information.

EEO STATEMENT 

Safe Shores is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.  We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills.  The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.