Clinical Therapist at Growing Hope

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDescription:Job Title: Clinical Therapist FLSA Status: Full-Time/Salaried/ExemptReports To: Chief Information Officer Location: Remote in the Columbia, SC areaPosition SummaryThe Clinical Therapist provides outpatient mental and behavioral health services to children, youth, and their families served by Growing Hope (formerly Growing Home Southeast). Services may be delivered via secure telehealth, in the community, in client homes, or in an office setting, depending on client needs and program requirements. The therapist is responsible for screening, assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and the provision of individual and family therapy, with attention to safety, trauma history, and social determinants of health. The Clinical Therapist collaborates closely with caregivers, schools, child welfare partners, and other providers to support youth in achieving meaningful progress and sustainable change. This position is ideal for a clinician who values relationship, structure, and accountability, and who is comfortable balancing autonomy in managing a caseload with being part of a collaborative, mission driven team. Why This Role MattersChildren and families involved with child welfare, foster care, and behavioral health systems often carry complex trauma and chronic stress. They need consistent, reliable adults and access to effective care that honors their strengths and lived experience. The Clinical Therapist plays a critical role in making high quality, trauma informed, culturally responsive care accessible to families who might otherwise go without. By providing evidence-based therapy, supporting crisis stabilization, and coordinating with other systems, the therapist helps families move toward safety, healing, and hope. Key Responsibilities1. Direct Clinical ServicesProvide individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, and caregivers using evidence informed and trauma informed approaches. Deliver services via a secure telehealth platform, in the office, or in the community or home as clinically appropriate and in line with program expectations. Build and maintain therapeutic relationships that promote safety, trust, and collaboration with youth and caregivers. Maintain a manageable caseload and service volume that aligns with agency guidelines, Medicaid standards, and licensure requirements. 2. Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment PlanningComplete comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, diagnostic evaluations, and risk assessments in accordance with South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) and Growing Hope standards. Formulate diagnostic impressions and update diagnoses as clinically indicated. Develop, implement, and regularly update Individual Plans of Care (IPOCs) or treatment plans in collaboration with youth, families, and other key providers. Establish measurable goals, objectives, and interventions that are strengths based, culturally responsive, and aligned with Medicaid and programmatic requirements. Monitor progress toward treatment goals and adjust services and strategies as needed. 3. Crisis Response and Safety PlanningRespond to client crises within scope of practice by following agency protocols, including risk assessment and de-escalation strategies. Develop and implement safety plans with clients, caregivers, and relevant supports, and review and update safety plans regularly. Coordinate with emergency services, crisis teams, or child welfare partners when higher levels of care or safety interventions are required. Provide timely follow up after crisis events and support transition back to routine care whenever possible. 4. Documentation, Compliance, and Billing IntegrityComplete all clinical documentation, including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries, in accordance with Growing Hope, SCDHHS, managed care organizations, and other regulatory standards. Document services accurately, thoroughly, and within required timeframes to support billing integrity and quality of care. Maintain up to date records in the electronic health record and other systems, including required releases, consents, and coordination of care forms. Participate in utilization management processes as needed, including provision of clinical information to support authorizations and re-authorizations. 5. Collaboration, Care Coordination, and Integrated CareCollaborate with internal teams, including case managers, family support staff, foster care staff, and supervisors, to support holistic care for clients. Communicate and coordinate with external partners, such as schools, primary care providers, DSS caseworkers, and other mental health providers, with appropriate releases in place. Participate in treatment team meetings, case staffing, and multidisciplinary reviews to support integrated care and shared planning. Provide clinical consultation to agency staff as needed related to client needs, trauma, behavior, and caregiver support. 6. Professionalism, Ethics, and Continuous LearningMaintain active South Carolina licensure (provisional or independent) in good standing and adhere to all applicable professional, legal, and ethical standards. Participate in individual and group clinical supervision as required by licensure and agency policy. Engage in required and recommended trainings, including those related to trauma informed care, cultural humility, evidence-based practices, and agency specific models. Seek and incorporate feedback from clients, supervisors, and colleagues to improve clinical practice. Support a work environment that reflects Growing Hope values, including respect, transparency, accountability, and partnership with families. 7. Other DutiesParticipate in program development, quality improvement initiatives, and special projects related to clinical services as requested. Perform other job-related duties that support the mission and success of Growing Hope. Salary Description$55,000 - $62,000 - commensurate with experience, licensure level, and qualifications. Location and Work EnvironmentGrowing Hope (formerly Growing Home Southeast) delivers services across South Carolina and surrounding areas. This Clinical Therapist position is hybrid, with a combination of remote telehealth work, on site services, and community or home-based sessions in the Columbia, SC area and nearby communities. The work environment is mission driven and can be fast paced at times. Staff are supported through supervision, team collaboration, and ongoing training, with a focus on service quality and well-being. Equal Employment Opportunity StatementGrowing Hope (formerly Growing Home Southeast) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. Physical Demands and Work EnvironmentThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. This position may involve periods of sitting at a computer, driving to client homes or community settings, and meeting with clients and families in a variety of environments. Occasional lifting of light materials such as laptops, files, or training materials may be required. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. The requirements listed are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an at will employment relationship. Growing Hope (formerly Growing Home Southeast) is a drug free workplace and complies with ADA regulations as applicable. Requirements:Minimum QualificationsMaster’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology, or a closely related behavioral health field required. At least provisionally licensed in South Carolina to practice behavioral health (for example LPC-A, LISW-CP Candidate, LMFT-A, or equivalent). Independent licensure preferred. Minimum of two years of experience providing clinical services to children, adolescents, and families, preferably in community based, outpatient, or child welfare settings. Experience with trauma informed care or work with clients with a history of complex trauma strongly preferred. Experience with Medicaid funded services and related documentation standards preferred. Comfort using telehealth platforms, electronic health records, and basic computer applications for documentation and communication. Knowledge and SkillsStrong clinical assessment, diagnostic, and treatment planning skills, including familiarity with DSM based diagnoses for children and adolescents. Competence in delivering individual and family therapy using evidence informed and trauma informed modalities. Ability to engage caregivers and natural supports as partners in treatment. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain clinical concepts in clear, straightforward language. Solid organizational and time management skills, including the ability to manage a caseload, meet documentation timelines, and balance administrative tasks with direct service. Ability to work independently with clear expectations and to collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary team. Commitment to cultural humility and to serving families from diverse racial, ethnic, linguistic, socioeconomic, and family backgrounds. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion. Additional RequirementsMust pass required background checks and maintain eligibility to work with vulnerable populations. Reliable internet connectivity and a private, professional space for telehealth sessions when working remotely. Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and reliable transportation for community and home-based sessions as needed. Ability to travel within the Columbia, SC area and surrounding communities for in person services, meetings, and trainings. Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends to meet client and program needs. Commitment to Growing Hope’s mission, values, and trauma informed, family centered, and culturally responsive practice.