What are the responsibilities and job description for the Counselor/Therapist position at Shelter?
1616 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
- PH : 847.255.8060
- FAX : 847.590.6184
- Email : HR@shelter-inc.org
Page 1, Updated 05 / 24
COUNSELOR
Job Description
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION
The Counselor is responsible for the provision of client services to Shelter, Inc. clients. In general, these include the
provision of clinical services to youth and their families and other duties in compliance with the Illinois Department of
Children & Family Services' (DCFS) rules and regulations. This position operates under the direction and supervision of
the Treatment Coordinator / Lead Counselor, who is supervised by the Clinical Director.
SPECIFIC DUTIES
1. Responsible for all therapeutic needs for clients within various departments at Shelter, Inc. This could be youth in
foster care, emergency shelter, transitional living, healthy families, or youth experiencing homelessness.
2. Carries a caseload o 12-15 cases.
3. Individual, group, and family therapy
4. Conduct mental health assessments and re-assessments for all clients enrolled in the programs.
5. Conduct mental health assessments, as indicated, for family members and significant others.
6. Provide individual, group and family counseling for clients as prescribed in the mental health assessment or DCFS
Integrated Assessment.
7. Provide psycho-educational groups to clients and / or their families based on interest and need.
8. Facilitate the development, review and modification of clients' clinical treatment and quarterly transition plans.
9. Perform record keeping functions and prepare reports as required.
10. Responsible for conducting all required quarterly life skills assessments.
11. Perform special administrative assignments or duties as delegated by the Treatment Coordinator and Clinical
Director.
12. Coordinate all activities related to referral and intake as the Intake Coordinator.
13. Comply with agency policies and procedures and the Department of Children and Family Services "Code of Ethics
for Child Welfare Professionals."
14. Is on-call for clients' mental health / behavioral emergencies.
15. Other duties as assigned by the Treatment Coordinator.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
1. Must be at least 25 years of age in accordance with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
Licensing Standards for Transitional Living Programs.
1616 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Page 2, Updated 05 / 24
2. MSW or MA from an accredited school of Social Work or Counseling required.
3. Must meet Child Care Facility Driver requirements in accordance with the Illinois Department of Children and
Family Services.
4. Must have a valid driver's license, an automobile and adequate automobile insurance.
5. Must become certified in CPR, First Aid and Behavior Management Crisis Intervention within six months of
employment date.
6. Must complete a Medical and T.B. test providing proof of results.
7. Must be fingerprinted by the State of Illinois and submit to a full Background Check through the Illinois
Department of Children and Family Services.
8. Must submit official academic transcripts from the last school in which a degree was awarded.
9. Ability to lift 40 pounds.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk or hear; stand; walk; and use
hands to handle or operate objects. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, lift,
reach with hands or arms and run. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 40 lbs. The employee must
be capable of working a varied shift schedule. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance
vision and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while
performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is performed primarily in the assigned facility, and occasionally in vehicles, meeting rooms both in the facility and
at other agency sites.
CLASSIFICATION STATUS
This is an exempt position.
SALARY
50,000-52,000 annually
ABOUT SHELTER Since 1975, Shelter has been a leader in Chicagoland for providing the emotional and physical care, programs, and
services that children need to build safer, healthier, and brighter futures. We are the only agency in the state of Illinois to provide fully
comprehensive and community-based services for children and families at risk and in need. Our programs include emergency
housing, transitional living, foster care, home visiting, and clinical support services. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Shelter is committed to providing safe, inclusive, and supportive resources for youth and families from all backgrounds and identities.
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1616 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
FAX : 847.590.6184
Application in PDF format
Salary : $50,000 - $52,000
