Therapist
Location: Elgin, IL 60123
Pay: $26.45 - $31.73 per hour ($55,000 - $66,000 annually)
Schedule:
- Part-Time, Non-Exempt (25 hours/week)
- Varies based on client needs. Generally, operates within standard business hours (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
- Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required
Work Arrangement: On-site (Hybrid eligible after 180 Days)
About Us: Volunteers of America Illinois is a national, faith-based nonprofit founded over 125 years ago. VOA Illinois delivers strength-based, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive programs across the state. We are a certified Great Place to Work and proudly promote from within — over 50% of our workforce has advanced into new roles within the organization. We continue to innovate and evolve based on the needs of the communities we serve. Check out our careers page to find more opportunities at Careers - VOA Illinois.
Position Summary: The Therapist provides client-centered behavioral health support and programming to community members served by the organization. Under the supervision of the Vice President of Behavioral Health, this role supports program development and delivers in-person and virtual services using a trauma-informed approach to promote engagement, emotional well-being, and connection to supportive resources.
What You’ll Do:
- Create and maintain a physically and psychologically safe environment that promotes emotional growth and healing
- Build positive, trusting relationships with clients to foster engagement and openness
- Assess client needs and respond appropriately under clinical supervision
- Monitor client progress and provide regular updates to supervisors
- Collect, document, and maintain accurate and timely program data and records
- Participate in agency initiatives, evaluations, and program improvement efforts
- Demonstrate commitment to and uphold the mission and values of Volunteers of America Illinois
- Utilize trauma-informed care, active listening, and conflict de-escalation strategies when supporting clients
- Exhibit cultural competence while serving clients of diverse backgrounds and commit to expanding knowledge and understanding of different communities and people groups
Work Environment & Schedule:
- In-office and community-based position, averaging from 0-40 hours per week.
- Eligible for one remote workday per week after Initial Training Period
- Community-based travel required
- Valid driver’s license required
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Physical demands include sedentary work, computer use, and frequent communication with clients, colleagues, and partners involved in client support.
- Must be able to travel within the community
Qualifications
Required:
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Clinical Psychology, or a related field from an accredited college or university
- Experience with trauma-informed care and practice principles
- Strong communication, collaboration, and de-escalation skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and documentation systems
Preferred:
- LCP or LSW preferred
- Candidates who are license-eligible/pursuing licensure will also be considered
- Strong group facilitation and management skills, with the ability to encourage participation and foster respect for diverse perspectives
- Minimum of 1 year of post-graduate experience with demonstrated clinical experience, or a combination of 4 years of pre- and post-graduate experience
- Demonstrated ability to build engagement and create supportive, inclusive environments
- Experience working with a diverse range of populations and age groups
Compensation & Benefits
We offer a competitive benefits package including:
- 403(b) with employer match
- Generous Paid-Time Off
- On-Demand Pay: Early wage access through Payactiv
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Referral program
VOA Illinois provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state, federal or local law.
Reasonable accommodations will be considered to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities upon request.
