GENERAL FUNCTIONS:

The Clinical Therapist in the IDD Mental Health Services program is a core member of a specialized, interdisciplinary team providing outpatient mental health services to adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) and co-occurring mental health challenges. The clinician will have a specialized focus in serving Envision Unlimited members who are accessing supports through the agency’s Short-Term Stabilization Homes (SSH) and Community Living & Transition (CLT) services programs. This will entail primarily working in the South Suburban region of Chicagoland with travel to Kankakee and Aurora 1 – 2 times per week with mileage reimbursed by the agency.

The therapist delivers neuro-affirming, trauma-informed, and disability-forward care that integrates mental health treatment within the broader IDD support system. This role emphasizes team integration, community-based service delivery, and advancement of dual-diagnosis best practices, supporting individuals in improving mental health outcomes, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Provide individual, group, and family therapy using evidence-based and emerging dual-diagnosis models (e.g., ACT, collaborative care models, adapted DBT/CBT, SFBT).

· Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments and ongoing reassessments using approved tools (e.g., IM+CANS, LOCUS, Treatment Plans).

· Develop and implement individualized, person-centered treatment plans aligned with members’ strengths, preferences, and life goals.

· Deliver therapy and supports in settings most accessible to clients, including day programs, residential locations (CILA), community settings, and via telehealth.

· Actively participate in interdisciplinary teams (IDTs), behavior support meetings, and care coordination efforts for clients.

· Collaborate with DSPs, QIDPs, families/guardians, and other providers to ensure integrated, trauma-informed support systems.

· Provide consultation and clinical recommendations to client support systems to address environmental and systemic barriers.

· Deliver services grounded in neurodiversity-affirming, person-centered, and trauma-informed philosophies.

· Utilize adaptive therapeutic techniques and accessible communication strategies tailored to individual cognitive and communication needs.

· Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation in accordance with Medicaid, managed care, and agency standards.

· Perform additional duties as assigned in support of meeting the mental health service needs of Envision Unlimited members.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

OTHER EXPECTATIONS

Employees shall respect the diversity of all individuals (e.g., clients, co-workers, stakeholders) and refrain from any form of discrimination and/or harassment based on religious, martial, ethnic, racial, gender, sexual orientation or other differences. Employees share the responsibility of creating and maintaining a welcoming and supportive work environment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all employees so classified.

QUALIFICATIONS

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/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must have reliable transportation to engage in weekly travel for the role.

EDUCATION, SKILLS, and/or EXPERIENCE

· Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field required.

· Active Illinois licensure (provisional – LSW/LPC/LMFT-A or full – LCSW/LCPC/LMFT) or license-eligible within 90 days of hire required.

· 2-3 years of experience in the mental health or IDD field, or a combination of both preferred.

· Candidates with other related experience, a strong professional interest in this population, or backgrounds in expressive arts therapies (art, music, drama, recreation) will also be considered in lieu of experience.

· Demonstrated ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary and community-based settings.

· Strong clinical assessment, treatment planning, and therapeutic skills.

· Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

· Ability to adapt therapeutic approaches to diverse cognitive, communication, and behavioral needs.

· Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between service locations required.

· Must pass background check and meet agency requirements.

· Ability to commute to the South Suburbs of Chicago as required. 

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, physical requirements may include standing, walking, and sitting; seeing; hearing and listening; clear speech; dexterity and use of hands and fingers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment described here is representative of that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. The work environment may include any of the following: working alone, working with others, verbal contact with others and face-to-face contact.

Overall, this role involves a flexible, community-based work environment, including:

· Visiting client homes, day programs (CDS), and community settings

· Outpatient clinic/office settings

· Telehealth service delivery

· Interaction with individuals experiencing behavioral and emotional challenges

· Sitting in a car for up to 1 hour at a time for travel between sites