The therapist provides individual and group counseling to children in a specialized classroom while developing evidence-informed treatment plans. They also serve as a resource for educators by providing coaching on behavioral health and social-emotional best practices.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Social Work with at least three years of clinical experience, or a Master's degree in Social Work or Counseling. Professional licensure as an LISW or LPCC is required, along with proficiency in DSM-5-TR and DC 0-5 diagnostic frameworks.
bachelor degreepostgraduate degreeConflict resolutionFamily counselingCrisis interventionInterdisciplinary collaborationCase managementTrauma-informed careChild developmentClinical documentationDiagnostic assessmentsSocial-emotional learningMental health assessmentIndividualized service plansCommunity resource linkageBehavioral health coachingClassroom consultationEvidence-informed treatment planning
Job description
Early Learning Mental Health Therapist – Specialized Classroom At The Centers, meaningful work is grounded in a culture where people feel valued.
As a 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces winner, the organization is nationally recognized, based entirely on employee feedback, for trust, purpose, and care.
This position plays an important role in advancing our mission and supporting the communities we serve.
Make a Difference from Day One At The Centers, we believe that the earliest years of a child's life hold the greatest potential for healing, growth, and transformation.
We are seeking a compassionate, skilled Early Learning Mental Health (ELMH) Therapist to join our Specialized Classroom at the Gordon Square Early Learning Site.
In this role, you will work alongside educators, families, and a dedicated multidisciplinary team to support children ages birth through five who face emotional and behavioral challenges — meeting them where they are, and guiding them toward brighter futures.
This is more than a clinical position.
It is an opportunity to be a catalyst for change in one of the most critical developmental windows in a child's life.
What You Will Do Therapeutic Services.
You will provide individual and group counseling to children and their families enrolled in our Specialized Classroom, completing mental health assessments and developing Individualized Service Plans tailored to each child's unique needs.
Using the DSM-5-TR and DC 0-5 frameworks, you will conduct diagnostic assessments and create evidence-informed treatment plans that address mental, emotional, and psychosocial needs.
Classroom Consultation & Coaching.
You will serve as a day-to-day resource for Early Learning staff, providing coaching, observations, and professional development trainings on behavioral health, classroom management, and social-emotional best practices.
You will use classroom observations and data from Pre and Interim eDECA social-emotional screenings to guide teacher practice and support individual child needs.
Daily Programming.
You will facilitate small group sessions using selected social-emotional curricula, complete daily behavioral checklists to monitor progress, and collaborate in real time with classroom teachers to implement strategies that promote positive mental health and functioning.
Community Linkage.
You will maintain active relationships with community resources — healthcare providers, WIC, food banks, furniture banks, and other social service organizations — ensuring families can access the full continuum of support they need, and identifying gaps in service delivery.
Documentation & Compliance.
You will complete all agency-required documentation within established timeframes, maintaining the standards of care expected across The Centers' Behavioral Health and Family Services programs.
What You Bring Education & Licensure Bachelor's degree in Social Work with a minimum of three years of clinical and diagnostic experience required Master's degree in Social Work or Counseling preferred Professional III: LSW or LPC required Professional IV: LISW or LPCC licensure Valid, unencumbered State of Ohio driver's license Experience & Knowledge Minimum two years of experience working with children ages birth through 12 preferred Proficiency with the DSM-5-TR and DC 0-5 for mental health diagnosis Working knowledge of child growth and development and family dynamics Experience with trauma-informed care and practice Familiarity with community resources including healthcare, WIC, food banks, and social service supports Commitment to a systems approach to service delivery Core Competencies You thrive in roles that require both clinical precision and deep human connection.
You bring: Emotional Intelligence & Communication: Demonstrated ability to lead with empathy while maintaining clinical boundaries; skilled at using storytelling to advance understanding and engagement with families and staff.
Collaboration & Teamwork: A genuine team orientation — you contribute to shared goals, maintain open communication, ask for help, and encourage others' involvement.
Diversity & Inclusion: Cultural intelligence and a commitment to equity; awareness of and sensitivity to the diverse populations served, contributing to an environment that is inclusive and cooperative.
Organization & Time Management: Ability to manage a diverse caseload, prioritize tasks, and meet documentation deadlines while maintaining quality care.
Flexibility & Adaptability: Comfort with change, new technology, and evolving best practices, with an optimistic orientation toward continuous improvement.
Professionalism
Confidence, strong conflict-resolution skills, and the ability to receive and integrate feedback constructively. Work Environment This position operates in a professional school and office environment with some home and community visits for Early Learning families. Travel and work outside of normal business hours may be required for family sessions, meetings, trainings, and events. Standard office equipment is used routinely. The employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods, stand, walk, and use hands and arms. This position does not carry supervisory responsibilities and is supervised within the Early Learning Program under Behavioral Health and Family Services. Why The Centers? The Centers for Families and Children has served the Greater Cleveland community for over 130 years. Our work is grounded in a commitment to meaningful work, strong management, health and wellbeing, and continuous investment in our people — core dimensions of what makes an organization truly irresistible to work for. We are committed to fostering an equitable, inclusive workplace where every team member is valued, supported, and empowered to grow. We invest in our people because we know that a thriving workforce is the foundation of a thriving community. Ready to join us? We look forward to meeting candidates whose values align with ours and who are ready to make a lasting impact in the lives of Cleveland's youngest residents and their families. The Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
