Therapist
Grand Rapids Pride Center
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:
Since 1988, the Grand Rapids Pride Center (GRPC) has worked to create positive change for the 2-SLGBTQ+ community by breaking down barriers, creating awareness, providing inclusive services, and bridging relationships. We envision a vibrant, thriving community of 2-SLGBTQ+ people who are celebrated and empowered to achieve their fullest potential. Our guiding principles are Authenticity, Accountability, Community Care, Liberation, and Justice. GRPC offers supportive services through social and support groups, education and training, health access programs, and advocacy initiatives.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Therapist reports to the Executive Director and plays a pivotal role in advancing the organization's mission by supporting the mental health and well-being of 2-SLGBTQ+ community members and their allies. A new position to the organization, the Therapist will have the opportunity to collaborate and work with a small but growing team to offer a safe environment for community members to receive affirming crisis and short-term clinical services in both an individual and group setting. This position will also act as a navigator of community resources, working to reduce obstacles for 2-SLGBTQ+ individuals achieving their highest level of wellness. This is an in-person position in the Eastown Neighborhood of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conduct crisis assessments to determine immediate safety and mental health needs of participants.
- Respond promptly to crisis calls, providing de-escalation, support, and immediate intervention as needed.
- Handle walk-in clients presenting in crisis, conducting on-the-spot assessments and providing short-term therapeutic interventions.
- Offer short-term mental health therapy for 2-SLGBTQ+ individuals and/or families experiencing acute mental health challenges.
- Develop and implement safety plans, including referrals to appropriate community resources or emergency services as needed.
- Coordinate with family members, healthcare providers, and other support networks to ensure continuity of care.
- Act as a liaison between clients and external resources, including community mental health services, housing programs, and/or substance use programs.
- Provide inclusive and culturally sensitive care, ensuring services are accessible and equitable for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Adapt therapeutic approaches to meet the unique needs of BIPOC, 2-SLGBTQ+, Disabled and any other historically silenced communities, as needed.
- Document, track, and monitor participant utilization for grants, funders, and organizational reporting.
- Adhere to all local, state, and federal regulations regarding mental health care and crisis intervention practices.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of a Master’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, human services, education, or other relevant field with current licensure (e.g., LPC, LMSW, LMFT, LLP) is required.
- Experience in crisis intervention, short-term therapeutic care, and strong ability to assess risk and develop safety plans.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, public speaking, facilitation, and coalition-building capabilities are strongly preferred; willingness to learn and grow in these skills is required.
- Understanding of 2-SLGBTQ+ issues, social justice, civil rights policy issues, overlapping identities and systems of oppression is strongly preferred; a passion for GRPC’s mission and work to create a region where 2-SLGBTQ+ people thrive is essential.
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and make independent decisions.
- Knowledge of code of ethics and a history of ethical behavior
- Proficient computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office (required) and Google Suites (required).
- Bilingual (Spanish) applicants highly preferred
Important Notes:
- Reliable transportation and the ability to travel on a limited basis (you are not required to have a license or your own vehicle, but you must be able to access transportation quickly and easily to our office and other locations across the city.
- Evening and weekend hours required on a regular basis (~5 hours/wk).
- Offer of employment is contingent on satisfactory results of a criminal history background check as well as a Central Registry Clearance (sex offender registry) check.
- The background check is a requirement, and any concerns you may have about it can be discussed beforehand with our Executive Director.
Compensation:
- Salary range: $55K to $60k commensurate with experience
- Healthcare benefits (medical, vision, dental, worker’s comp, life insurance)
- 3 weeks PTO (plus medical and bereavement leave)
- 20 Paid holidays
- Annual professional development opportunities
While all qualified candidates are invited to apply, candidates identifying as 2-SLGBTQ+ especially with historically silenced overlapping identities are highly preferred.
We strongly encourage candidates who feel they meet most, but not all, criteria, to apply. We are not looking for "perfect" candidates but candidates who have a passion and willingness to learn. We want everyone in our community to thrive.