Position Opportunity

Trauma Therapists

about the organization

Traverse Bay Children's Advocacy Center (TBCAC) is a regional response center for the protection and wellbeing of children located in Northwest Michigan. Its mission is to provide a coordinated, multidisciplinary response to allegations of child abuse in a child-sensitive, trauma-informed environment; to offer therapeutic treatment for those who have been harmed; and to champion a world without abuse through awareness, prevention, education, and outreach.

Position Description

Date: April 22, 2024
Position Title: Trauma Therapist
Supervisor: Program Director
Supervisee: Masters Level Counseling Interns
Classification: Exempt
Position Type: Full-time, 40 hours per week, between 8 AM – 6 PM, Monday – Friday, Part-time considered

The Trauma Therapist position provides immediate crisis intervention as well as individual, group and family therapy to child victims of abuse and their non-offending family members, with special emphasis on implementing trauma-informed techniques.

Essential Functions

  • Provide initial assessment and/or crisis intervention for child victims and/or non-offending family members during the forensic interview process as needed

  • Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team and TBCAC staff to determine appropriate referrals for counseling services post-interview

  • Refer to external mental health providers when appropriate; follow-up with external agencies to ensure clients received services and are satisfied with the results

  • For onsite services, set up appointments for initial assessment with non-offending caregivers; obtain family history and signed releases

  • Provide onsite trauma-informed counseling sessions for both primary and secondary child victims, as well as non-offending caregivers

  • Provide trauma-informed counseling to children who experience problematic sexual behaviors (training in Problematic Sexual Behavior treatment available upon hire if needed)

  • Complete assessments, progress notes, treatment plans and other clinical documentation as determined by the TBCAC and required for accreditation

  • Record any client related contact/communication in the database

  • Complete ongoing training as required by the National Children’s Association

  • Attend staff meetings and participate in staff functions

  • Other duties as assigned

Educational Requirements

  • Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related field required

Competency Requirements

  • Currently licensed (LPC, LLC, LLPC, LLMSW, LMSW, TLP, LP or LMFT) and must maintain all licenses and credentials

  • Training in trauma-informed therapy techniques, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

  • Expertise in individual, family, group therapy, and crisis intervention

  • Knowledge of sexual and physical abuse dynamics, child development, and support group leadership

  • Must complete and pass a criminal and CPS background check and sign a confidentiality agreement prior to starting work

  • Proficient computer skills, including Google Suite, Word, Excel, and Macs

Professional Requirements

  • Ability to relate to children and adults of all ages, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities and socio-economic backgrounds as well as professionals across multiple disciplines

  • Ability to function effectively on a team

  • Strong listening skills and personal boundaries

  • Capacity for empathy and self-reflection

  • Flexible and open to feedback

Compensation and Benefits

  • Competitive salary

  • Individual healthcare coverage (employee premiums covered at 100%)

  • Simple IRA with match (3% employer match per employee contribution of 3%)

  • Discretionary Time Off (time off when needed with supervisor approval)

  • Paid holidays

  • Paid family leave

  • Individual and group supervision and consultation

  • Frequent training and educational opportunities

  • Potential for flexible scheduling and some remote work

  • Trauma-informed and supportive work culture

  • Caseloads/weekly schedules designed to prevent/reduce Secondary Traumatic Stress and burnout

Travel Requirements

Occasional travel to external meetings and special events is required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center is fully committed to equal employment opportunity, maximum utilization of all employees, and employment and advancement regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state, federal or local law. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

To apply

To apply, please submit a letter of interest and a professional resume to ecarrillo@traversebaycac.org.

About the area

“Once known almost exclusively as the "Cherry Capital" of the World, Traverse City is quickly becoming a destination recognized for its incredible wine. Home to awards from regional, national, and international competitions, Traverse City's vineyards and wineries are a must-experience. Even more? You can enjoy four amazing seasons rich with outdoor activities including skiing, kayaking, hiking, and biking. Traverse City is a city located along the coast of Lake Michigan. Known for its picturesque outdoor offerings, Traverse City is a popular destination when visiting the Great Lakes.” - Traverse City Tourism