WISe Mental Health Therapist

About akin

Akin partners with children, families, and communities to build relationships and support well-being so everyone can thrive. Through our early learning programs, we create inclusive, nurturing environments where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn.

Position summary

The WISe Therapist provides direct therapeutic interventions to children and youth ages 0–21, with a primary emphasis on young children ages 0–12, and particularly infants and young children ages 0–6, and their families. Services are delivered in homes, childcare and early learning environments, schools, and other community-based settings. Work is guided by infant/early childhood mental health intervention models and provided in a team framework, in close collaboration with a WISe Facilitator and Parent Partner. Emphasis is on partnering actively with families, natural supports, and other community service providers to promote safe, stable, and healthy families.

This position has access to protected healthcare information (PHI) or confidential identifiable information (CII), both paper and electronic, as necessary, to perform related job duties and responsibilities.

Essential functions

• Completes initial intakes as well as comprehensive assessments and determines DC-05/DSM V diagnosis
• Assists in developing strength-based, goal-oriented treatment plans that are guided by an infant/early childhood mental health framework and address the specific needs of the family as well as specific anticipated clinical outcomes
• Participates actively in the child and family team meetings, including active participation in the development of the cross-system care plan
• Provides direct mental health interventions that:
• Completes initial intakes as well as comprehensive assessments and determines DC-05/DSM V diagnosis
• Assists in developing strength-based, goal-oriented treatment plans that are guided by an infant/early childhood mental health framework and address the specific needs of the family as well as specific anticipated clinical outcomes
• Participates actively in the child and family team meetings, including active participation in the development of the cross-system care plan
• As appropriate:
• Provides direct infant/early childhood mental health interventions and
• Provides consultation around infant/early childhood mental health to client's childcare/early learning environment or other community providers, to support the child's success in natural settings
• Provides and/or arranges necessary crisis response and stabilization services, completing and communicating the safety/crisis plan with family and others
• Maintains complete documentation of the child’s case records according to Akin policy in the designated electronic health record. Maintains records in keeping with Agency, County, and State requirements and WISe fidelity guidelines
• Maintains productivity standards for direct service as established for the position
• Ensures timely collection of statistical information for external funding sources and program evaluations
• Ensures compliance with applicable agency contracts and adheres to all Federal, State, and Local confidentiality requirements and guidelines.
• Performs periodic reviews of documentation on regular basis when required by WISe Coach, WISe Supervisor, and/or WISe Program Manager or when need arises (self-audit)
• Participates in scheduled supervision, team meetings, and administrative meetings. Utilizes reflective/clinical supervision to support professional growth and quality client care
• Remains current with professional development requirements through seminars, etc.
• Complies with all Akin policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Understanding of various treatment principles and interventions
• Knowledge of child, adolescent, and family development
• Proficient in MS Office
• Demonstrated ability to lead or support teams with diverse identities and backgrounds, including implementing inclusive practices across recruitment, supervision, and service delivery
• Working knowledge of the principles of accessibility, inclusion, and belonging, and a track record of incorporating these values into decision-making and team development

Working environment

• Moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, printers, phones)
• Typical office lighting and temperatures
• Moderate interruptions
• Ability to work in a confined area
• Ability to sit at a computer for an extended period
• Limited travel to other site locations within the state

Hybrid work arrangements

Hybrid work is a benefit of Akin’s flexible workplace but cannot be offered for all positions. Some positions require daily presence in the office. Hybrid work arrangements may be adjusted or rescinded based upon business needs.

Physical demands

• While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard; occasionally to reach, stoop and kneel
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work
• Regular, predictable attendance is required

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or closely related field
• Valid Mental Health Counselor; Independent Clinical Social Worker; or Marriage & Family Therapist Certification/License AND/OR Associate Status
• 2 years of experience working with young children and their families using an infant/early childhood mental health framework
• Proof of CPR and First Aid Certification is required within 30 days
• A one-step Mantoux TB skin test prior to start of employment. For those who have previously tested positive, documented proof of treatment from a doctor, or a negative chest x-ray must be provided
• HIV/AIDS and blood borne pathogens training required within 30 days
• A valid driver’s license and a favorable driving record, with no more than three violations within the past three years

Preffered qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work or related field plus 5+ experience postgraduate clinical practice with children, youth, and families
• May require additional training on one or more specialized clinical areas: including but not limited to sexual and physical abuse, domestic violence, co-occurring disorders, chemical dependency, etc.
• Department of
• Health
• License in one of the following: Marriage and Family Therapist, Social Worker or Mental Health Counselor
• Prior experience in Wraparound or WISe program
• Prior experience working with young children who have experienced trauma
• Training in Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Promoting First Relationships, or other evidence-based infant/early childhood mental health models
• IMH-E® Endorsement through the Washington Association for Infant Mental Health

Salary Range: And benefits:

We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay, medical, dental and retirement benefits and paid time off. As required by various pay transparency laws, we share a competitive range of compensation for candidates hired into each position.

The target starting pay for this position is $27.84 - $37.67 per hour for associate therapists, and $30.36 - $43.24 per hour for fully licensed therapists, typically within the first half of these ranges. Actual offers will be based on individual qualifications relevant to the role and will not take an applicant’s pay history into account.

The range above allows our employees room for growth during their tenure in the position.

Why join akin?

• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families
• Work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment
• Access ongoing professional development and growth opportunities
• Be part of a team committed to inclusion, belonging, and community

Commitment to equity and inclusion

Akin is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage individuals who bring lived experience and diverse perspectives to apply.